HUNDREDS of people helped to raise almost £2,000 in a ‘fantastic day’ raising awareness of Down Syndrome.

Accrington Lions held their third annual World Down Syndrome Day event at Mount Carmel RC High School.

The event has been organised each year by Caz Moreton, secretary of the Lions, in a bid to raise awareness of Downs Syndrome after her granddaughter and Hollyoaks star Eva Lorente was diagnosed.

Eva was a celebrity guest at the event at the school and she was joined by her co-star and former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson.

Mrs Moreton, 55, said: “When I started it out it wasn’t about fundraising, it was just trying to raise awareness. We just wanted to do a little bit of something to raise awareness.

“Then it just exploded.

“It was absolutely brilliant, it was heaving.”

Activities on the day involved a charity raffle, and a sponsored leg waxing featuring several volunteers from the Lions including president Gary Gaynor.

A variety of performances were also held on the day including from Upbeat Fitness and Functions and Dance Syndrome.

Brooke Malonie was also a visitor at the event with her parents, who plays Lily Platt in Coronation Street.

Hyndburn Mayor Cllr Tim O’Kane also attended to show his support to the cause, alongside the Accrington Carnival Queen and Princess.

So far £1,840 has been counted, but the Lions are hopeful that the fundraising total will get closer to the £2,000 mark following the official World Down Syndrome yesterday. (Tuesday, March 21)

Retired learning disability nurse Mrs Moreton said: “People were just so positive towards the event lots of families came along it was just a great success,

“The weather was absolutely hammering it down but there were hundreds of people who came out, we were just so thankful.

“We weren’t sure how it was going to go being in the school for the first time, but it was just a fantastic day.”

The former Lions president also said that she has already had requests from stall holders wanting to secure a place at next years event.

Next year’s event will take place on March 17.