A CHARITY that supports people affected by autism has staged a competition to showcase the talents of those who access its services.

The North East Autism Society received a large variety of entries for its North East Autism’s Got Talent contest this year.

With the theme Creative Skills, the competition was open to interpretation, with entrants submitting everything from paintings, sculptures and dance routines, to poems and stories.

However, it was Lauren Stephens from Stanley, County Durham, who was named the winner after impressing judges with her artwork.

The 19-year-old attends the North East Centre for Autism School in Newton Aycliffe –a £9m education facility offering a safe and positive environment for children and young adults affected by the condition.

Christine Dempster, director of education at NEAS said; “The creative skills competition is a way to increase participation and provides an opportunity to showcase the talents of our service users across the Society.

“I am delighted with the enthusiasm and motivation from everyone involved in the project.”

The contest was sponsored by Vision Education.

For more information about the North East Autism Society visit ne-as.org.uk or call 0191-410-9974.