SHOPPERS in Middlesbrough will be able to help a New Marske toddler win his battle to overcome autism.

Ben Collins, three, was locked into his own confusing little world, unable to communicate until his parents, Paul and Sandi, came across Son-Rise, a therapy centre based in America that teaches parents to understand autism.

The couple have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of autism and help raise cash to fund further trips to America. They need £8,000 to finance their trip and the treatment, which is where the Hill Street Shopping Centre in Middlesbrough stepped in.

A giant nursery rhyme clock will decorate the centre during the summer holidays and is to become a centrepiece for Ben's fundraising campaign. Mrs Collins and a team of volunteers will be collecting money every day for the next six weeks as well as giving advice and information about autism.

She said Ben is 'doing wonders' although he still has a long way to go. He can now count and is reading, writing and spelling. His speech is becoming increasingly clear.

Ben is also developing a sense of humour but he has problems developing his social skills.

Part of the therapy involves the creation of a special room for Ben with very few decorations to help to concentrate his mind. Mrs Collins said Ben now spent nearly ten hours a day in his room working with a team of volunteers who Mrs Collins says have been 'absolutely wonderful'.

"They are a great bunch of people and I think that is why he is coming on because different people have different ways of doing things.