SAINTS players donned their odd socks today to raise awareness of World Down Syndrome Day, before posing for pictures with children who have the condition.

Today, Thursday, March 21 aims to highlight the issues people with the genetic syndrome face.

As part of the campaign, many people wear odd socks.

Socks are the same shape as chromosomes and those with Down Syndrome have an extra one.

So to celebrate the special day, St Helens support group Ready Steady Downs were handed an extra special treat when children from the group and their families were given a chance to meet the Saints.

St Helens Star:

Louie-McCarthy Scarsbrook with one of the youngsters

The players signed rugby balls and had pictures with the happy bunch, ranging from age two to 16, and donned their odd socks during training to show their support.

Julia Watts, a member of Ready Steady Downs and mum to three-year-old Poppy who has the condition, said: "A huge thank you today to everyone at Saints Foundation we've had a marvellous day.

"It's been a fantastic day, we've met all the players and we've got loads of free gifts but the most important part of today is raising awareness that people with Down Syndrome are just like everyone else.

"They want the same things.

"We've all got our odd socks on today and the players have been wearing odd socks and I hope we can do more like this.

"It's great to see people who you see on TV all the time being part of a global celebration and we made it happen.

St Helens Star:

Joseph Paulo sports his odd socks

"Everyone has odd socks, I know I have loads at home so please wear them today and show that people with Down Syndrome are as much a part of society as everyone else."