YOUNG people from all over Cheshire came together to celebrate their individual achievements and mark the 10th anniversary of a Down’s syndrome support group.

Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group has provided support and advice to more than 100 families since 2007.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the charity hosted a family celebration event at Vale Royal Abbey in Whitegate on Saturday, July 15.

The event was attended by more than 130 people and each young person was awarded for their latest achievement.

Libby Edwardson, aged seven, from Mere, was presented with an award by Mike Amesbury, MP of Weaver Vale for her gymnastic skills.

Libby’s mum, Yvonne said: “Libby is delighted to receive her award and we are very proud of her.”

Mr Amesbury said: “It was a great honour to be at such an important milestone for Cheshire Downs Syndrome Support Group and an even greater honour to give out the awards to our young heroes in the local community.”

Libby’s family have been receiving support from the charity since Libby was born and Yvonne is an active volunteer who delivers some of the Makaton training on behalf of the charity.

Hayley Simpson, from Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group, said: “The charity has grown so much over the last 10 years and we have huge plans to develop more services in the next 10 years, so that we can support more people in the Down’s syndrome community.”

Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group was set up by Sarah Larkin, Sarah Cunney and Amanda Glennon after they found there was a lack of information and advice on Down’s syndrome for new parents after their children were born.

“When my son Ben was born, the consultant advised us that they suspected Ben had Down’s syndrome and that this would be confirmed following an examination into his chromosomes,” Sarah said.

“We were sent away from hospital with no information on Down’s syndrome, or where we could get advice or support. We felt very alone and concerned what Ben’s future might look like.

“We formed the support group to ensure that no-one else felt alone and that every new or expectant parents have access to the right, unbiased information.

Our aim was to build a community where we can exchange advice, talk about our experiences and share this journey together.”