A NORTH-EAST open air museum has become one of the the first organisations in the region to join a national campaign aimed at improving access to facilities and services for people with autism.

Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, has teamed up with the North East Autism Society (NEAS) and signed up the Autism Charter to make the venue more autism-friendly.

The Autism Charter,which was produced by people on the autism spectrum, aims to show businesses and organisations how minor adjustments and a better understanding of the condition can help those affected feel welcome.

Funded by the Department of Health, the charter is being delivered by Autism Alliance UK, a network of specialist autism charities including the NEAS.

Beamish Museum director Richard Evan said: “Beamish’s staff and volunteers are very pleased to be working with North East Autism Society.

“Autism touches so many people and an increasing number of our visitors, staff and volunteers either have personal experience of autism or are close to someone who does.”

He added: “With the support of North East Autism Society we have trained around 40 more of our staff and volunteers in autism awareness and we are committed to building on this and improving our services in the future, not only as a visitor attraction but also as an employer.”

Ailsa Riddel, 30, of Sunderland who attends NEAS adult day services and volunteers at Beamish two days a week said: “"I think it is good for Beamish to become autism friendly because it will be better for people with autism to enjoy their day more.

“I have volunteered for Beamish for nine years. I really enjoy being a volunteer and I enjoy making the visitors feel welcome.”