YOUNG people with autism took part in a fund raising event in Hanley Castle last weekend raising £55 for the National Autistic Society.

The event at AALPS Midlands in Hanley Castle featured live music, a tombola and sales of plants grown by the young people themselves and items made by them in woodwork sessions.

AALPS Midlands is a residential service for young people with autism and the event was part of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

The cause is organising a music festival called Aalpstock on Saturday, July 2, and tickets are available at £5 for adults(carers free) and £3 for children. The line up includes local drumming group Drumlove, singer Ray Mytton, a barbershop quartet, a brass band and The Aalpines, a band made up of staff members from AALPS.

The event, which runs from 1-7pm is intended to be especially inclusive for people who have special needs and who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend live music events. Call Lorna Davies on 07854 162748 for tickets.