A CHARITY that helps youngsters with Down’s syndrome receive a mainstream education has been given a £5,000 grant.

The Education Centre for Children with Down’s syndrome (ECCDS), helps youngsters make a smooth transition between mainstream primary and secondary schools.

It received the money from Lloyds Banking Group Community after a public vote organised by the bank. 

The centre was formed in Darlington and spent six years in the town before moving to Newton Aycliffe in the summer and it now plans to use the money to help expand its services to cover Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and North Yorkshire.