BUILDING work is under way on a charity's project to open the UK's first respite centre for autistic children.

Excavators are digging out foundations for an animal petting centre at the Daisy Chain Centre in, Norton, near Stockton.

The centre, in Calf Fallow Lane, is the brainchild of Lesley Hanson, who died earlier this year, and her husband, Duane, who wanted to create a place where autistic children could gain independence, learn skills and build confidence.

Following 18 months of fundraising, the couple's £1.5m dream is well on the way to being realised. Yesterday, their nine-year-old son, Jacob, who has autism, helped contractors with the work.

Matt Simpson, development officer for the charity, said: "It is fantastic to see work starting and is a massive boost for us.

"We hope the animal petting centre will be built by the end of April, and then work can start on the play barn, which we hope will be finished by September.

"Then, hopefully, work can start on the main building."

The main building will have ten-bedrooms and will act as a respite for parents for anywhere between a couple of hours to a few days.

As well as the petting centre and play barn, there will also be a library and sensory garden.

Anyone who would like to help the charity is asked to contact (01642) 531248.