A SUPPORT group has been tripping the light fantastic as it raises funds.

Candles is a Down Syndrome support group based in Colchester which is made up of parents of children with the condition.

The group, which recently set up its own charity, provides support for parents and organises activities.

It has been working to raise funds and recently hosted an Irish dancing event in Culver Square shopping centre to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day.

The charity needs funds to continue to provide support for families and to also be able to provide professional services not provided by local authorities.

The event was the brainchild of Charlotte Larcom, from Candles, and her sister, Cecily.

The pair have a background as Irish dancers, with Cecily being world champion in 2008.

The group was joined by the McGahan Lees Irish dance academy, where Cecily is an instructor, and family and children associated with Candles also attended.

Organiser Charlotte, whose son also has Down Syndrome, said: “Our charity has already got some funding for events and activities throughout the year which is amazing and is making such a difference already to our families.

“But our community needs support to overcome the additional barriers people with Down Syndrome face.

“We need more funding for those professional services that cannot be provided for by local authorities that are already overwhelmed by the high demand or lack of experience with Down Syndrome.

“To us, Irish music is the key. It’s the thing that makes everyone tap their feet.

“I knew from the first time I turned it on for my son he would be beaming, running round the room, and dancing with the biggest smile on his face.

“We want everyone with all abilities to experience those feelings.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/colchester-down-syndrome.