WHEN Brooke was born, her mum and dad were told their beautiful baby daughter may never talk, read or write due to the fact she was one of 100,000 children in this country with autism.

Now, as a six-year-old, Brooke is working towards her SATs examinations as a happy little girl and her parents, Faye and David Nacca, of Washington, attribute her progress to the support she has received through the pioneering work of the North East Autism Society (NEAS).

Brooke was given a place at the specialist Thornhill Park School in Sunderland, where revolutionary teaching methods have transformed her life.

Brooke’s story is just one of many life-changing examples in the North-East and that’s why it was such a privilege to host The Star Awards 2017 at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Thursday. The event, in its second year, is a celebration of the dedication of staff supporting North-East families affected by autism.

Lots of stars were honoured, including Kerrie Highcock, winner of the inaugural People’s Choice Award based on votes from parents, families, service-users, and professionals such as social workers.

Kerrie has become known as one of the faces of NEAS, organising parent workshops, support for families, free toddler groups and autism awareness training to staff and in the community. She also hosts weekly live question and answer sessions on Facebook.

“Kerrie is often a lifeline for desperate families struggling to get a diagnosis or for those who can’t get the right support,” said her nomination.

There are 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK and there remains a long way to go for society to understand their needs, provide the right support, and appreciate their qualities.

But it should be a source of great pride that other parts of the country increasingly look to the North-East as an example of how to move forward.

THERE is also a sense of fun running through the North-East Autism Society, and it comes from the top.

Chief executive John Phillipson is a passionate Newcastle United fan. Chairman Gavin Bestford is equally devoted to Sunderland.

During a game of “stand-up bingo” on the awards night, it was announced – without their knowledge – that John would be photographed in a Sunderland shirt and Gavin in the Magpies’ black and white stripes if everyone chucked in a small donation to the charity.

I’m happy to report that they went ahead with the forfeit, albeit with strained faces (that's them below). Let’s be honest, if you’re going to support a North-East team, you need a good sense of humour.

The Northern Echo:

EARLIER in the week, it was a case of entering the lionesses’ den in Northallerton.

Being guest speaker at the 28th Charter Anniversary Dinner of the Northallerton and District Lionesses was a wholly pleasant experience. In fact, they’re a lovely lot (see them pictured below).

Among all the important deeds they carry out without fanfare, I was particularly taken by the fact that the lionesses provide emergency packs – comprising everyday items such as toothpaste, tissues, soap, and laundry kits – to the women’s refuge in Northallerton.

“When women flee from abusive relationships, they often have nothing, so we do what we can to help,” explained president Chris Wall.

On June 3, it will be the 40th anniversary of Lioness Clubs in the UK and the Northallerton branch will mark the occasion by inviting former members and supporters to the Town Hall for a celebration.

Over those 28 years, Northallerton members, pictured below, have raised £120,000 for local, national and international good causes.

That must be why the collective noun for lionesses is a pride.

The Northern Echo:

NEVER before in all my years of public speaking has there been an excuse quite like it for a member of the audience walking out on me.

Seconds before I was due to get to my feet, it was announced that one of the Northallerton Lionesses had rushed off home.

“She’s terribly sorry but she’s left a pork chop in the oven for the dog,” I was informed.

I know my place.

A BUSY week on the speaking circuit, it was also a pleasure to address the admirable Tudhoe and Spennymoor History Society.

Misprints in the publishing world were part of my talk and one member, a former teacher, responded with a classic of her own.

Lesley Richardson recalled the time parents were sent a letter informing them that school sweat-shits could now be ordered.

Perhaps not surprisingly, there weren’t many takers.