AT three years old, Conor Hardy is bright yet can only speak two words - "Mam" and "no".

He looks like any healthy child, but his behaviour is different and he is unable socialise with his peers.

The County Durham youngster suffers from autism and there seems to be little that can be done in this country to help him.

But Conor's parents, Alison, 35, and Geoffrey, 34, are pinning their hopes on treatment pioneered at the Growing Minds Institute in Miami, Florida.

But they need £10,000 to take Conor there for five days of intensive therapy in July which can help him to learn and develop through play.

Alison, an office manager, and Geoffrey, a council labourer, from Esh Winning, near Durham City, have launched the Chance for Conor appeal to raise the outstanding £8,000 needed.

"We are quite far back with treatment in this country compared with America," Alison said.

"He only has two words - Mam and no. He seems to forget how to say things. He is extremely bright in certain areas and weak in others.

"He does not interact with other children, he won't give them eye contact. That's heartbreaking for a parent because you want your child to play with other bairns.

"Children with the condition don't develop as normal children, but with early intervention we know Conor will come on. There is hope for Conor to progress so that he may one day have mainstream schooling."

A charity show will be held at the McEwans Centre Houghton-le-Spring featuring singer Kay Ward's Nightshift and international hypnotist Alan Jones on Thursday March 29.

Tickets cost £4 and are available from the venue or from Alison on (0777) 3275730. The couple are also appealing for donations of raffle prizes.