A GRAND total of £1,135 has been presented to the Down’s Syndrome Society by Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Mike Veale.

During this year’s Down’s Syndrome awareness week, officers engaged in various escapades to raise money for the society, including wearing odd, brightly coloured socks around the station.

Assisting the chief constable in handing over the raised money was Luke Newton who works for the police and has Down’s Syndrome.

Since joining as a volunteer at the start of 2016, Luke has taken up administrative work in the crime and communication centre, excelling to such an extent that he has since been offered a part time job at the station.

Chief constable Veale said: “It has filled me with the most uplifting and immeasurable pride to watch this wonderful, polite and positive young man take on this new challenge and leap from success to success.

“One thing that has really taken me aback is the sheer love, admiration and support he has won amongst his colleagues and that is exemplified by this fantastic team effort to raise money from an incredibly worthwhile cause.”

The Down’s Syndrome Association is a national charity with over 20,000 members.

It helps people living with Down’s Syndrome have the enjoyable, rewarding life they deserve by fundraising and educating the public on the condition.

Carol Boys, chief executive of the association, thanked Wiltshire Police saying: “As well as raising an amazing amount of money they certainly helped raise awareness with everyone from the chief constable to the dog section getting involved and wearing their socks.”