A SCHEME to encourage autistic children to develop social skills is celebrating its first year.

Bury Council's Autism Befriender scheme, which operates in partnership with the National Autistic Society, has proved a success since being introduced a year ago.

Volunteers team up with children in their own home to build up their confidence and help them develop social skills, something which autistic children often find difficult.

Dave Scowcroft, the scheme co-ordinator, said "The scheme has been very successful; it has had a significant impact on the lives of a number of families in Bury. We are hoping more volunteer befrienders will join us."

The scheme, which is funded by Children's Fund, recruits and trains volunteers. It can also be used to gain recognition through the Millennium Volunteers and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes.

Volunteers are needed now to help the many families waiting for Befrienders. The training/induction programme for volunteers will take place on four consecutive Monday evenings at the Seedfield Centre Bury starting on September 27.

Families affected by autism may be able to access the service if they live in the Bury area, and have a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder between the ages of five and 13.

For further details about the scheme contact Volunteers Co-ordinator Dave Scowcroft on 0161 253 6418.