A NORTHWICH-based charity is not letting lockdown stop it marking World Down Syndrome Day today, Sunday.

Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group is urging supporters to wear bright socks and challenge themselves to do an activity 21 times to mark the national occasion.

The date, March 21, represents the three copies of chromosome 21 which is unique to people with Down's Syndrome.

Ordinarily the charity, which was set up in 2007, fundraises by selling gingerbread sock biscuits and presents awareness assemblies at schools across Cheshire.

This year, the team has sent out digital packs to schools, complete with a recorded assembly for teachers to play to children in their classrooms.

The #LotsOfSocks campaign also aims to raise awareness of Down's Syndrome and 'get people talking'.

Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group CEO, Lawrence Caygill, said: "There is no doubt that this World Down Syndrome Day will be different to usual, but staff at the charity have made sure it is no less impactful and have worked hard to create digital solutions to celebrate the day and raise awareness of Down’s Syndrome in our community.

"We are always blown away by the support we receive from Cheshire schools and businesses, and hope that they enjoy wearing bright socks, taking up Challenge 21 and watching the awareness film that we have recorded."

The charity recently launched a #lostinlockdown: Our Future Matters campaign which calls for ministers to allocate a portion of the £300 million the Government has committed to help catch-up learning this year to be ringfenced for young adults with Down's Syndrome.