A beaming youngster has turned poster boy for Downs Syndrome after making his modelling debut.
Four-year-old Stocksmoor tot William Bagley became an instant hit when he was used by a company that sell toys all over the UK to be the star model on their Europe-wide mass advertising campaign.
Diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, William captured the hearts of Shelley-based Millwood Education Ltd with his lovely face, big smiles and laughs, and they hired him as one of their main models this year.
Not only has he featured in their annual brochure, which is sent out to thousands of schools and education providers, but William’s cheeky grins could also be seen at the world’s largest toy fair in Nuremberg, Spielwarenmesse, where they were used by sister company and their product manufacturer, Sport and Playbase Ltd’s main advert.
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The golden opportunity for the youngster came about after a chance conversation at a local pub between dad Darren and one of his friend’s wives.
Darren said: “I just showed her a picture of William and she asked me whether I’d ever thought of letting him model then offered him the chance to be in her work’s catalogue.
“He went along to the sites in November and did a big photo shoot with a couple of other children.
“He was totally in his element and was just a natural.
“Seeing his pictures makes him very happy and myself, mum Heather, his sister Olivia and all our family are so proud.”
He also remarked on the positive effect having a Downs Syndrome model would have.
Darren said: “I’ve not seen many other companies using Downs Syndrome models so this is a fantastically positive move.
“It just proves that even if you have a disability you can do something.
“The company has got a taste for him and he’s already been signed up to do next year’s catalogue.
“He’s had a sample of working life so we’re all looking forward to his next modelling opportunity.
“Who knows what will happen?”
Spokeswoman for Millwood Education, Anne Yates, said: “William was perfect, we were so pleased that he wanted to model for us.
“His little face is full of magic and mischief and charmed us all at the photo shoot and was incredibly helpful – he’s just the best.”
