AN autism campaigner has helped those with the condition express their musical talents.

Anna Kennedy, who is patron of the Stockton-based Daisy Chain charity, has created a CD with the music written and performed by nine people with autism.

The campaigner has been working on the project for the last 18 months, and it culminated with a performance at the Hard Rock Café in London on Monday (February 21).

Ms Kennedy, who has received an honorary degree from Teesside University for her work, said the event was “amazing”.

“It was great for everyone to perform in a place that has seen Elvis Presley and Oasis,” she said.

“I hope people are inspired by what we have produced - it was overwhelming, the kids are on such a high.”

Ms Kennedy said music had proven to be a big help for autistic children.

“They use music to get through stressful times, and writing songs helps them with their thought process.

“It gives them all confidence and keeps them going.

“Words of encouragement about what they do empowers them – they all had smiles on their faces and said they wanted to do it again.”

Earlier this week, Ms Kennedy met with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to talk about autism and the difficulties facing families.

“I gave him a copy of the CD and he said he liked it,” she added.

Ms Kennedy is also hoping to run a third addition of Autism’s Got Talent.

The show has ran for the last two years and has been held at Teesside University and the Arc in Stockton.

“We are thinking about doing it again,” she said.

“It has proved to be such an uplifting show – it is really inspiring for all the families in the audience who watch these kids perform.

“I have done whatever I can to help raise awareness, even if it means I am only getting three or four hours sleep a night.

“Some people have even called me the Simon Cowell equivalent, but hopefully I am a lot nicer than him.”

The CD, titled Building Bridges, is available to buy on iTunes.