CHIEF Constable Kier Pritchard donned odd socks when he joined pupils and staff at Devizes School to celebrates the many ways people with Down’s Syndrome make a difference to their communities.

Mr Pritchard and other senior officers from Wiltshire Police took an assembly at the school for children from Years 8 and 9 on World Downs Syndrome Day last Wednesday.

This year’s theme highlights why inclusion matters within families, schools and the workplace and challenges people to be more inclusive.

Joining them were Luke Newton, 23, who has Down's Syndrome and works for the police force at its headquarters in London Road, Devizes.

He told the 300 students how much he enjoys his job and is now studying for an NVQ in business administration.

Five pupils from Year 9 Ben Shea, Olly Flynn, Leah Hobman, Caitlyn White and Sam Otway raised £300 by selling odd socks. Alison Andrew, Devizes School 's raising achievement leader said: “When Wiltshire Police contacted me I was very keen for my students to get involved and create their own fundraising project within the school."

“We really encourage our young people to look at issues like resilience and breaking down barriers within communities."