ONE of Warrington’s biggest annual events is set to be given the Royal seal of approval today.

Warrington Disability Awarness Day, which takes place at Walton Hall, on Sunday, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

And the event is now so popular that it encompasses a week packed full of activities with Sophie the Countess of Wessex to visit the main marquee to meet and greet staff.

Dave Thompson started DAD with his son Gavin and a few volunteers in 1991 and says he is ‘unbelievably proud’ of how it has grown.

As well as the Countess, a delegation from the Thai Government will be among the visitors this week.

He added: “Disability Awareness Day, and associated events, has been promoting a positive ‘can-do’ attitude towards disability for the past two decades.

“We are proud to share part of our landmark 20th anniversary with the Countess who has graciously accepted our invitation to come to meet with the volunteers and management team – the heart and backbone of DAD.”

This year’s event was threatened earlier in the year when the closure of the Northwest Development Agency saw the organisation lose its funding.

But the NHS stepped in with the cash and The 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust boss Simon Barber said he was looking forward to the event.

He added: “We will also be showcasing examples of artworks that the trust has supported service users to create.

“It is pleasing to see that more than 20 of our partners from local voluntary organisations have agreed to join us on the day.”