THE mum of a Redditch teenager with Down's Syndrome has come forward with a heart-warming tale of how the town's YMCA helped her son as a child following an appeal in the Advertiser.

Lynne James, of Church Hill, contacted the organisation after an appeal in January for people who felt support from the YMCA had made a significant difference to their lives.

The appeal formed part of plans to mark the YMCA's silver jubilee in May.

Mrs James' son David, 15, attended the YMCA's mother and baby group and pre-school nursery and was subsequently awarded a place at a mainstream school.

She said: "He was fully included in everything the other children did, although there had to be certain allowances made for children with special needs.

"The staff at the YMCA were absolutely great with him and he gained confidence which has stood him in good stead for later life.

"We also wanted him to go to a mainstream school and they were very supportive and encouraging."

Mrs James added David went to Ravensbank First and Church Hill Middle schools and attended YMCA holiday playschemes and an after-school club.

David, who currently attends Pitcheroak School, has also been involved with Redditch Special Olympics and will be appearing in Break-a-Leg Theatre Group's production of Cabaret 2003 at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, next month.

Redditch YMCA chief executive Alan Fraser said: "David's story is typical of the work the YMCA has done with people over the last 25 years and particularly our programme of community activities.

"A lot of organisations will not work with the range of people we work with and we need the continuing support of the people of Redditch to enable us to continue for another 25 years, hopefully providing many more positive stories like the one David experienced."

Mr Fraser added it was not too late for others to come forward with their stories.

People can write to him at the YMCA, Church Hill Centre, Loxley Close, Church Hill, Redditch B98 9JG, e-mail alan.fraser@redditchymca.org.uk or call 61643.