CORONATION Street star Sally Lindsay has become patron of a Somerset-based Down syndrome support organisation.

Sally, the popular actress and television presenter probably best known for her role as Shelley Unwin in the TV soap drama, is one of two patrons announced this week by the charity Ups and Downs South-West, which is based in Westonzoyland.

Sally met up with Ups and Downs charity founder Wendy O’Carroll and her son, wildlife photographer Oliver Hellowell, when Oliver was being interviewed on BBC TV’s ‘The One Show’ quite recently.

After filming for the show had taken place, Sally said she was very impressed with Oliver and readily agreed to be patron for the organisation that Wendy set up when Oliver, who has Down syndrome, was born 18 years ago.

Anna Baverstock, paediatrician at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, is also proud to announce she is becoming a patron. She said: “As someone who looks after children and their families, I recognise the huge impact support groups can have on families.

“Ups & Downs South West has provided families and staff with training and fabulous resources. “On a personal level, I passionately believe that every child has unique abilities and Ups and Downs South West aims to nurture and support these.”

Ups and Downs South West supports more than 500 families living throughout the South West. The charity also has a Schools Advisory Service, which provides support for about 200 schools in the region. Ups and Downs South West is preparing to hold a sponsored abseiling event down the tower of the parish church in Westonzoyland, which is to be held on Sunday, June 7.

Everyone is invited to take part . To register your interest in taking part in the abseil or to find out other ways that you can support Ups and Downs, phone 01278-691100 or email info@upsanddowns. net or visit the website www.upsanddowns.net