PREPARATIONS for Lindley’s annual charity race are now in full swing.

And organisers of the third 10k race have announced the good cause that will be benefit from runners pounding the village’s streets this June.

Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group (HDSSG) will be the event’s principle beneficiary.

Event organisers will be encouraging runners to raise money for the group both at the 10k and Lindley Carnival, which takes place the day before.

However, participants are still free to select their own charity to race for.

HDSSG was founded over 20 years ago.

It arranges social, sporting and educational events and activities for children with Down Syndrome and their families.

The charity is run on a voluntary basis by parents of children with the genetic condition.

The group currently has over 50 members and is continually trying to expand the range of activities, experiences and support it can provide.

Previous beneficiaries of Lindley 10K include the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and disabled children’s charity Whizz-kidz.

Leanne Davies, from the charity said: “We are delighted that Lindley Community Group has selected HDSSG to be the beneficiary of the upcoming events.

“We are currently fundraising to continue our programme of activities which include monthly speech therapy and hydrotherapy sessions.

“We are also hoping to launch a new publication to help siblings of children with Down Syndrome which will be included in our ‘new family’ packs in 2015.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to raise the profile of our group and to hopefully break some common misconceptions surrounding people with Down Syndrome.

“With the right support, our children are achieving more than ever before.

“And, coupled with the continuing commitment of members and families, we are ensuring our children are fully included in our wonderfully diverse society.”

Lindley 10K was founded by Lindley Community Group in 2013.

It continues to be organised by the group’s volunteers working in partnership with local schools, other community groups, local running clubs and Kirklees Integrated Youth Support.

This year the event will take place on Sunday June 28, the day after Lindley’s annual summer carnival.

Around 200 adults and 100 children took part in last year’s event.

This year two races will be held again, with a fun run for children aged between four and 15 starting at 9am.

Then at 9.30am the 10k will begin.

Clr Cahal Burke, one of the founding members of Lindley Community Group, said: “We are delighted to announce Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group as the main beneficiary of Lindley 10K in 2015.

“It’s a fantastic group run entirely by parent volunteers and they are hugely deserving of our support.

“Hopefully we raise a lot of money for them on the day.”

Despite entering its third year, the event still relies on the commitment of many volunteers and the backing of local businesses.

Clr Burke added: “It really is wonderful event that engages the whole community in something positive whilst promoting sports and healthy living.

“I encourage as many people, groups and businesses to get involved and help us to make this year’s 10K an even bigger success.”

Full details of the running route and how people can get involved as a runner or helper will be made available at www.lindley10k.org.uk .