DOWN Syndrome is much misunderstood. Children who have it are not ill; they do not “suffer” from the condition, neither is it a disease.

Indeed most people with Down Syndrome will walk and talk, many will read and write, go to ordinary schools and lead fulfilling, semi-independent lives.

Which might come as something of a surprise. But that's not to say they don't need a bit of help. Most with the syndrome have a degree of learning difficulty and in York we are pleased to report how a support group plans to create more specialist speech and language therapy groups to work alongside the NHS.

This is crucial because children with Down Syndrome are visual learners and Liz Allen, who chairs the group tells, us there is a great deal of evidence that children do better with more intensive output.

Unfortunately, and as is so often the case, Liz and her volunteers have to work on a shoestring and rely entirely on fund raising activities.

We applaud what they are doing to help children and parents who are affected by Down Syndrome and if anyone reading this feels able to help, please get in touch. It would make a fine New Year's resolution.