BUS company workers have proved to be just the ticket with parents struggling to unlock the autistic world of their child.

Ben Collins, aged four, is making progress in his development thanks to an American therapy programme, which has included two visits to the US. Follow up telephone calls to the US cost a total of £2,000 every six months.

Parents Sandi and Paul, from New Marske, east Cleveland, need to raise nearly £9,000 to complete the educational play therapy and make one final visit to the US next year.

Staff at Arriva's Loftus depot rose to the challenge and yesterday presented Ben and his mother with a cheque for £946 - and a promise to raise more in the future.

Mrs Collins said: "It is the biggest single donation we have ever been given. It is fantastic."