A YOUNG man with autism who struggles with sensory issues has received a huge boost in confidence after volunteering for the Dog's Trust.

Ben Neasham, 22, from Darlington, took part in an employability course at autism charity Daisy Chain, and got the volunteer role while also passing his driving test.

He helps to walk dogs at the Sadberge centre and is gradually building up his hours, with the support of Daisy Chain.

His parents Joanne and Andrew were concerned about what he would do as a young adult after he struggled so much through school and college, but are delighted with his progress since attending the employability course.

Daisy Chain was allocated £100,000 by the People's Postcode Lottery to help tackle loneliness and isolation in young adults with autism. Within the UK only 32 per cent of autistic adults are in paid work with just 16 per cent in full-time work.

The charity is using the £100,000 to support the running of an Employability Course to give young adults new skills to increase their potential for gaining employment and volunteering opportunities.

Students learn skills such as team working, customer service and communication based in a real working environment at the charity’s Superstore at Portrack Lane in Stockton.

Neeraj Sharma, Daisy Chain chief executive, said concerns for autistic adults facing loneliness showed how important it was to help increase their skills and get them into work.