A SCHEME to encourage autism-friendly shopping by holding a 'quiet hour' has proved so popular that is becoming a weekly event.

Following the success of the monthly quiet hour in Darlington, local retailers and town centre venues have decided to offer the quiet hour of shopping every Sunday.

From this Sunday, March 25, and then every following Sunday – except Easter when the shops will be closed – between 10.30am and 11.30am the Quiet Hour will take place at a range of shops and venues.

The move comes just as World Autism Awareness Week launches on Monday, March 26.

The Week will see a wide range of events launched and taking place to help raise awareness and funds to help those with autism or affected by the condition.

During Quiet Hour in Darlington, shops and other venues will be turning off their music and children’s rides to help create a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. These changes will help those who need quieter and calmer surroundings, including elderly shoppers or people who have other types of disabilities such as autism and dementia.

The list of those taking part continues to grow and now includes: Boyes, Guru Boutique, Queen Street and Cornmill Shopping Centres, Mercure Darlington Kings Head Hotel, Marks and Spencer, The Keys, Laura Ashley, Vue Cinema, Mangobean. Boots on Northgate, and The Dolphin Centre. Binns House of Fraser and Origins Home and Coffee Bar will be open from 11 and have a quiet half an hour.

Retailers are now working with the North East Autism Society to promote autism training to their staff.

Kerrie Highcock from North East Autism Society said:

“This is brilliant news. I am delighted that the Quiet Hour will now be a weekly fixture in Darlington, helping even more families to enjoy stress-free leisure and shopping time. The list of retailers and other venues taking part keeps growing and is proof of how popular it has proved to be with families and individuals who appreciate a quieter shopping and leisure experience.

“The news ties in nicely with the launch of World Autism Awareness Week and I hope that this will help create even more awareness of the issues faced every day and every week by families and what support there is.”