A group of nursery workers from Oxford have been inspired by one of their children to raise money for charity.

Nursery workers at Imagine Co-operative Childcare, in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, are taking part in a sponsored walk as part of Down's Syndrome Oxford's Big Step Forward.

Inspired by three-year-old Oliver Bricknell, who has Down's syndrome and attends the nursery, they have decided to call their team Oliver's Army.

Nursery assistant Averil Plant, who organised the team, said the event on Sunday, June 8, would be a great way of raising money for a fantastic cause.

Mrs Plant said: "I saw the event advertised in a local careers letter and decided to put a notice up in the staffroom to see if I could get some of the others involved.

"One hour later, six people had signed up. By the end of the week, we had a team of 13 people.

"We all love children and Oliver has had a big impact on all of us. He's such a lovable little boy, who has lots of friends here and is always smiling.

"We just thought this would be great to raise money for such a deserving cause."

Oliver's key worker Rachel Pargeter said she signed up straight away for the three-kilometre sponsored walk around Oxford's South Park. She said: "We want to raise as much money as we possibly can to help this cause.

"When I found out the others were doing it, I just wanted to get involved too."

Fellow nursery assistant Lisa Thorton said they planned to make the day as much fun as possible.

She said: "We have persuaded a few of the mums to get involved and some of the children as well, so we want to make sure everyone has fun.

"Oliver and his mum are hopefully going to join us for the walk."

Oliver's mother Julie Bricknell said: "I think it's a great idea. The more we can do to raise awareness of Down's syndrome, the better. Oliver loves going to the nursery and is nearly walking now. He has to go to hospital for an operation but hopefully he will be fit enough to take part in the sponsored walk."

The day will also form part of a number of events to mark national Down's Syndrome Awareness Week.

For more information on how to get involved or to donate money to Down's Syndrome Oxford, see dsoxford.org.uk