YOUNGSTERS and their parents donned their silly socks to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day.

Members of the Candles support group which helps pre-schoolers with the condition and their families celebrated the global awareness day with a trip to Jungle Adventure in Stanway.

As part of the awareness campaign everyone was asked to wear odd socks, because the three copies of chromosome 21 which causes Down’s Syndrome looks a little like socks,

The group has more than a dozen members and meet fortnightly at the St Anne’s children’s centre in Harwich Road, Colchester, but welcomes families from as far as Maldon, Witham and Harwich.

Annabelle Woolford’s daughter Elizabeth, who is now 14 months old, was born with Down’s Syndrome, and she believes the group has helped her enormously.

She said: “It is absolutely amazing.

“There are people with so many different stories and experiences who can help you out.

“I did not know Elizabeth had Down’s Syndrome until she was born but as soon as I found out I was desperate to meet other parents in the same situation.

“Knowing people have been through the same thing is so helpful.

“It can actually be quite daunting going to baby groups and feeling like you and your daughter are the odd ones out but there is nothing like that at Candles.

“The first time I walked in there I was a bit nervous but I just saw all of these gorgeous kids running around.

“One came up to me and gave me the biggest smile, looked at me and said ‘ta-dah’ and it put me completely at ease.

“We had a brilliant day at Jungle Adventure and the staff said they would donate our entrance fee to the Down’s Syndrome Association which was a really nice of them.

“We also put out some leaflets to try to raise awareness.”

Annabelle said there are still lots of misconceptions about the condition.

She said: “People are trying to be nice by saying things like ‘Doesn’t she look so happy’ and I know they are trying to be friendly but sometimes it is not the case.

“There are also a lot of assumptions children with Down’s Syndrome won’t be able to do certain things but it is not the case.

“Sometimes it is a bit like taking the scenic route - they will get there eventually but sometimes it takes a bit longer.”