A FIVE-year-old girl is starring in a calendar next year as part of an organisation’s mission to raise awareness about down syndrome.

Bethany Parr, of Angus Avenue, Leigh, features in down syndrome awareness charity Wouldn’t Change A Thing’s calendar next February, the same month she turns six.

Earlier this year, Bethany appeared in a video on social media which showed the joy children with down syndrome bring to family life and quashed negative stereotypes of the genetic disorder.

Beverley Parr and her husband Ian, fostered five-year-old Bethany from birth before adopting her.

Grandmother-of-seven Beverley, 57, said: “I am so proud of Bethany featuring in the calendar.

“As there have been more projects with Wouldn’t Change A Thing, she and the other children have been getting more confident.

"The Facebook group we have for the campaign is growing daily and there are now more than 7,400 people in it.

"I think parents realise it is not as daunting being in the public eye than what they first thought."

Bethany and Beverley will also be featuring in a family advent calendar style social media video released by the group with their appearance set for December 13.

They will be signing and saying the festive animal "reindeer" in the video.

Beverley added: "As a group we are also aiming to introduce signing in all primary schools so children can learn it from an early age.

"I am teaching my grandchildren to do it at the moment so they can communicate with Bethany."

To pre-order the calendar click here.

For more information about the charity visit wouldntchangeathing.org.