A LOCAL support group for parents who have children with Down's Syndrome is celebrating their first year.

The 21 Plus group was started by Victoria Hughes from Raglan and Katharina Barker from Monmouth who both have a child with Down's Syndrome as a coffee morning with just a few parents meeting up in December last year.

Since then the group has been getting together every other month to share experiences, give advice and support as well as allowing the children to get to know each other. The children's ages span from babies to teenagers.

Katharina said, "We are really pleased that we have been able to create a group which covers a wide area including the Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire and Newport as well as surrounding areas. We are always keen to hear from new families who are interested in joining us."

This December, to mark its first anniversary, 21 Plus will hold a special Christmas party for the whole family including older and younger siblings with a visit from Santa and a gift for each of the children. It will take place on December 14.There will be mince pies and mulled drinks for the parents.

For every 1,000 babies born, one will have Down's syndrome.

About 750 babies with Down's syndrome are born in the UK each year.

Down's syndrome affects people of all ages, races, religious and economic situations.

It is estimated that there are around 60,000 people with Down's syndrome living in the UK. For more information about 21 Plus contact either Victoria or Katharina on 07910 012 579.