CHESHIRE Down’s Syndrome Support Group is aiming to make this year’s gingerbread sock campaign its best ever.

The children’s charity, which is based on Witton Street, launched the initiative for a fifth year over the weekend at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Safety Central hub in Lymm.

The event was attended by children with Down’s Syndrome from across Cheshire alongside their families.

And they were able to join in as the charity also hosted its first ever Makaton sibling training session, allowing siblings to better communicate with their brother or sister using signs and symbols.

This is part of the charity’s support of Northwich being recognised as the first Makaton friendly town in the north west.

The gingerbread sock campaign is CDSSG’s largest fundraiser and enjoys generous support from local schools, businesses, families and community groups year on year.

Last year the community sold 52,000 gingerbread sock biscuits, which is a figure that the charity is hoping to exceed this year.

“The support we receive for this campaign from our families, schools and the local community is fantastic,” said CDSSG Chief Operating Officer Lucy Liddiard.

“It allows us to raise awareness and much needed funds to continue our services for people with Down’s syndrome and their families in Cheshire.

“As well as this, the sock biscuits taste delicious.”

As part of the campaign assemblies are run at schools to raise awareness of Down’s syndrome to improve inclusion.

The campaign was founded by charity member Emma Harris, who has Down’s syndrome and came up with the idea with her dad Chris.

The reason for the sock shape is because people with Down’s syndrome all have three copies of chromosome 21, and chromosomes look like socks.

The campaign has won multiple north west charity awards, and Emma has received recognition from former Prime Minister Theresa May and The Voice UK judge Olly Murs.

CDSSG will also be hosting a Boogie on Down’s fundraiser and barn dance on World Down’s Syndrome Day - Saturday, March 21 - which will see people dance for 21.3 minutes.

Those who wish to dig out their dancing shoes in support of the campaign can contact CDSSG by emailing admin@cdssgroup.org.uk.