A THEME park has pledge to help people with autism.

Diggerland, in Langley Park, near Durham has become one of the first organisations in the region to join the Connect to Autism campaign.

It has signed up to an Autism Charter and committed to becoming more autism-friendly.

General manager Neil Thompson said: “Diggerland UK is pleased and proud to be supporting the Connect to Autism campaign.

“At Diggerland we understand and appreciate what matters locally to our customers. There are many people with autism who enjoy our facilities and it is essential that Diggerland identify how best to help them.”

Kerrie Highock, from the North East Autism Society, said: “We are delighted that Diggerland has agreed to become involved in the Connect to Autism campaign.

"People with autism are often excluded from their communities through lack of understanding, but together, with businesses like Diggerland, we can build better understanding and offer the support to those that need it.”