A LOCAL charity are delighted after raising almost £3,000 during the recent Autism Awareness Week.

Volunteers from the Vale of Leven Autism and Aspergers Forum (VOLAAF) set up stalls and met with supporters at various venues including Loch Lomond Shores, Asda in Dumbarton, the Co-op in Alexandria and intu Braehead.

VOLAAF, who support children and families who have been diagnosed or are going through the diagnosis process, also held a raffle with the first and second prize hampers going to Angie Jarrod and Anne Reid respectively.

The organisation also sold autism alert cards with an emergency contact and tailored message written on it.

These can be used by people with autism and Aspergers if they are in a position where they are too distressed to speak properly and tell people why they may not react in the way they may be expected to.

Chair Suzanne Gillies told the Reporter: "The whole awareness week has been amazing getting out there and speaking with people and the reach has been invaluable."

It continues a successful couple of months of fundraising for the charity, who have in recent months received a donation from Renton Masonic, as well as raising money by taking part in the Shortbread Run and a Sparkle Day at Jenners at Loch Lomond Shores.