A FAMILY has praised the work of a town's pre-nursery as they marked World Down Syndrome Day in style.

Jeannette Johnson thanked staff at Barrow's Ramsden Robins Pre-Nursery, who raised £50 for the Down's Syndrome Association.

Younsters and staff alike joined in to customise and wear crazy socks for the day on Tuesday.

Mrs Johnson, whose two-year-old daughter Amelia suffers from the genetic disorder, said: “It was such a lovely gesture.

“It was absolutely amazing of the school to want to do this.

“It was lovely to see the children joining in and dressing their socks up.”

Amelia has attended the pre-nursery since September, and Mrs Johnson says she has settled in well.

She said: “The nursery have been brilliant because they've adapted things so well.

“She loves all her teachers there. They give her one-on-one support but she gets constant help from everyone. They're really good.”

Clare Johnson, manager of the pre-nursery, said: “Amelia is a very popular member of our class and a very sociable and affectionate little girl.

“We took part in WDSD and rocked our socks.

“Our fabulous families and children at nursery took the time to customise their own socks to raise awareness and celebrate our differences.

“We want to teach the children to have positive attitudes to disabilities.

“We are extremely overwhelmed and proud of all our nursery children who took part.”

For Mrs Johnson, the day was an important opportunity to raise awareness of the disorder.

She said: “I think it's really important to have World Down Syndrome Day.

“People need to be made more aware of it because there are many people with it across the country.

“The biggest challenge we face is getting people to understand they aren't restricted.

“They have got many skills and talents and we need to develop them. They can go to school and do everything else kids do. They lead a normal life.”