AN AFTERNOON of fun and fundraising has paved the way for a support group for families living with autism.

Parents and children alike enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment at the event in Brean at the weekend.

The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for autism charities nationally and locally and was a huge success, according to event organiser Kas Drewett.

Kas told the Weekly News: “We’re so pleased with how it went – it couldn’t have gone better.

“I’ve had loads of friend requests on facebook and hopefully we’ve got the start of a really good support group for families in the area.

The afternoon of family entertainment was held at the Seagull Inn on Saturday providing families who care for children with learning difficulties an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

Kas, whose son Callum has the rare xyy syndrome and autism, said she couldn’t have been happier with the turn-out which saw 180 people attend and raise more than £600 for the Taunton-based Escape Support Group and the National Autistic Society.

The mum-of-two said: “We held a similar event last year which went really well but the number of people who came along and the money raised this year was amazing.

“Callum and my daughter, Ellie-Mai, had a great time with the other kids and it was really nice to meet so many new people.

“I’d really like to thank everyone who came along and especially the staff and the owners of the Seagull Inn who were absolutely fantastic in catering for the kids.”