Sacrament for boy with Down’s Syndrome

The Diocese of Leeds had previously said eight-year-old Denum Ellarby, of Gomersal, was not ready for the experience. But the refusal was rescinded after he took part in weekly one-to-one Communion classes with a volunteer from the diocese.

His father, Darren Ellarby, said: “He’s now been accepted by the church.” Denum took Communion at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Batley with classmates from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

His mother, Clare Ellarby, said: “It means a lot to us that this day has come and everything has gone just as we want it to.”

The diocese had initially written to Denum’s parents saying he was not yet ready as he had “limited concentration”’ and did not enjoy Mass.