A GROUP of volunteers took a fundraising effort in their stride, raising almost £600 to help children with Down’s Syndrome.

Dalton county councillor Des English organised a sponsored walk to raise funds for Barrow and Furness Down’s Syndrome Association, with participants pounding the pavements for five miles between Barrow Town Hall and the Barrow and Furness Conservative Association office in Dalton.

Cllr English was inspired to organise the event by his grandson, Liam Burley, aged eight, who has Down’s Syndrome. Liam took part in the walk, along with his twin sisters, Emily and Ruby, aged 10.

Cllr English, who represents Dalton South for the Conservatives on Cumbria County Council, said: “I was very proud of Liam. He absolutely loved taking part in the walk and I was very pleased with the turnout. We had a bit of a party afterwards and all the kids really enjoyed themselves.”

Along with local activists, Cllr English was joined on the walk by Barrow Borough Council candidate Ged Nicholson, who has two children with Down’s Syndrome – who also took part in the walk, being pushed the whole way along the route in their buggies.

Cllr English added: “Everyone was really enthusiastic and the kids were in their element. I’m really grateful to everyone who turned out for the event. Nearly £600 was a fantastic amount to have raised.”