THE family of a three-year-old autistic boy, whose mother claims her son's condition was caused by the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, are holding a charity race night to help to pay for his expensive treatment.

Matthew Gibson was a healthy, bright 15-month-old when he was given his injection.

But four months after the jab, he started to display the classic signs of autism - an irrational fear of new people and toys, a withdrawn and sullen disposition, and a failure to remember what he had already been taught.

Despite his doctors and consultants dismissing the link between the MMR vaccine and autism, mother Deborah Gibson, of Abbotside, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, is convinced his condition is related to the jab.

She said: "At 15 months, he knew his colours and could count to six. A few months later, he'd withdrawn into himself and just plays with his train toys.

"He became absolutely terrified of having his hair cut and he even ignored all of his Christmas presents.

"We are sending him to a private clinic where he will be treated, but it costs £400 for a two-hour consultation."

A study of children in Finland is thought to have dismissed any link between the three-in-one vaccination and autism and bowel disorders.

But Paul Shattock, the director of the autism research unit at the University of Sunderland, said Matthew's case, and thousands like him all over the country, should not be dismissed.

The Gibsons are holding a charity race night, at Stanley Central Club, on Tuesday. Admission is £2 and the event, which will also include a buffet, starts at 7.30pm.

The family would like to thank those who have pledged their support.