A girl with a rare genetic disorder is encouraging people to wear jeans to work or school on Friday to support Jeans for Genes day.

Children's charity Jeans for Genes is urging people to make a small donation by wearing jeans for the day on October 7, to help raise money for children and families affected by genetic disorders.

Epsom school girl Grace Watson, 10, has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological genetic disorder which mainly affects girls. Children with Rett usually develop normally to between six and 18 months, before losing acquired speech and hand skills.

Grace, who lives in West Ewell is called 'Amazing Grace' by her family and friends, and is helping to raise awareness of children's genetic disorders.

Her mum Gwenda Dimmock, 53, said Grace was 17-months-old when things began to change, but Rett Syndrome was not diagnosed until Grace was four-years-old.

Ms Dimmock said: "After an afternoon with a panel of experts, they sat me down and told me Grace had Rett Syndrome. It was a bolt from the blue, but at least we had an answer.

"Grace is a very smiley, happy girl. She's also very sociable. One of her favourite things is going to the shops because there are lots of people to look at, she's a real people-watcher."

Ms Dimmock and Grace have attended Rett UK's family support regional days, which is part funded by donations given to Jeans for Genes.

"These support days are great and give us the opportunity to meet up with other Rett Syndrome families. It is an important community."

For more information on Jeans for Genes or to make a donation, visit www.jeansforgenesday.com