A POLICE conference raised £1,600 to swell the coffers of a charity helping children with Down’s Syndrome.

Durham Constabulary’s Special Chief Officer, Mike Cleasby, presented the money to the Education Centre for Children with Down’s Syndrome, in Newton Aycliffe, yesterday (Saturday), where his 12-year-old daughter, Ellie, has attended since 2006.

The money was raised during a two-day conference of special constables from across the UK which took place in Durham, in March, and will go towards the centre’s running costs.

Maggie Hart, head of education and training at the charity, said: “We are really happy to receive the money and were thrilled to be put forward for the fundraising.

“The more children that come through our doors, the more money we need to find.

“There is funding available for specific projects, but it can be really hard to find money for general running costs, that is what we struggle with, so we are really thrilled with this.”

The ECCDS charity helps around 60 children and their families from across the region, from babies to teenagers, with activities and classes specifically designed for youngsters with Down’s Syndrome.

There is also an outreach group based in Hexham.