A SUPPORT group for families of people with autism has received a welcome boost.

The Main Project, at Beverley School for Children with Autism, in Middlesbrough, will soon be relaunched after receiving £90,000 from the Community Fund's North-East office.

Nigel Carden, one of the project directors, said: "We originally set up the project with a one-year government grant, which ran out in August last year. The Project was amazingly successful, so we have been trying to keep going by raising money locally.

"This grant, which will cover most of our costs for the next three years, means we can now concentrate on developing our support and advice service for families. We will also be launching a new programme of training, to show parents and professionals the best ways to help young people who are affected by autistic spectrum disorders."

Any family in the Teesside area wanting details about autism can call (01642) 277450.