Children belonging to Swindon Down's Syndrome Group were exclusively entertained by one of their favourite TV presenters yesterday.

Dave Benson Phillips, who has starred in children's television show Playdays had them spellbound by juggling, telling jokes and singing.

David dropped into Gorse Hill Baptist Church, wearing a bright pink shirt and blue trousers, to unveil the parent-run charity's new website.

The group provides support to parents and allows the children to take on adventurous sports like climbing and fencing.

David said, jokingly: "I've been working with children for 25 years and so far, they don't seem to mind. You never realise the significance of coming along as an entertainer until you see the look in their eyes.

"It is amazing to see what activities these children do."

The church hall was packed and parents joined in to play games and sing along to Old Mc Donald's Farm and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Mother-of-three Rachel Kay, who brought son Josiah, six, said she relies on the support of other parents in the group.

"It's been really helpful as having a child with Down's is difficult. It is so good to have other parents to talk to and feel you're not alone."

She was delighted to see Dave perform the Tellytubbies song and play guitar.

"For him to come for us is fantastic - it means so much to the children."

Group treasurer Kim West said: "It was dead exciting and a bit nerve-wracking - but it has all come together well. I think the children absolutely loved it."

Speech therapist Erica Ford, who works with the children, said: "The children all love him. They have watched his videos and to have him here live is brilliant."

She was enthusiastic about Dave's ability to engage the children with sign language and said parents shouldn't worry about it hindering speech.

"He is a hero to them - even shy children sign along with him.

"We promote signing early on - if parents see other children who use it they can be reassured that it won't affect their speech development."

The group's new website has been designed to make it easier for other parents of children with Down's Syndrome to find information. It also has activities for the children with pictures for them to download and colour in.

Visit www.swindondownsgroup.org.uk