MORE than 300 people took part in a charity walk to raise awareness of autism.

The North East Autism Society (NEAS) held the one-mile walk in Herrington Country Park, near Sunderland, on Friday (April 17).

NEAS events fundraiser Sophie Clarke said: “It was lovely to see staff, service users, parents and carers, other autism groups and school participating.

“We want to support families throughout our region by increasing the understanding of the condition and how with the right support people with autism can lead full, productive lives, contributing to community life.”

The walk was interactive and along the route children were given clues to find the charity’s mascot Pawsum the Panda, who greeted the finishing walkers and gave them certificates.

John Phillipson, CEO of NEAS was presented with a £100 donation from student Lauren Stephens, 19, from Stanley, County Durham. who took part.

She said; "I managed to raise £100 due to the sale of the NEAS awareness ribbons, which made approximately a quarter of this total, whilst the remaining was raised from friends and family."

Proceeds from the event will fund NEAS Family Development Services, which include toddler groups, workshops for parents, family support, a social group for adults and a trampoline club.

Visit www.ne-as.org.uk or call 0191-410 9974 for more about the charity.