THE National Autistic Society is thrilled to announce that the Autism Professional Awards are back this year.

We are looking for people and organisations in your area that make a difference to the lives of autistic people and their families.

We are looking for your stories so that we can increase public understanding of autism and inspire others to support autistic individuals.

Do you know a teaching assistant that has helped an autistic child to achieve something amazing?

Or perhaps you know of a business that has made adjustments for autistic employers?

Or even an inspirational social worker?

We want to recognise all the great work in your community so get nominating at http://www.autismprofessionalsawards.org.uk/

Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism.

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s inaugural Andy Murray Live tennis event, I’m delighted that we are returning to The SSE Hydro, Glasgow on Monday, November 6 for what promises to be a very special black-tie fundraising evening in aid of Unicef and local charity Sunny-sid3up.

The following evening at Andy Murray Live, I will play Roger Federer, arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, alongside my brother Jamie, Tim Henman and Mansour Bahrami, with all the proceeds going to the charities.

Although standard tickets to the tennis event are sold out, it is still possible to join us at the Fundraising Dinner by buying a table.

There are also a few exclusive packages left to attend the dinner, then take part in a shared tennis clinic with Roger and myself the following day and then watch me battle it out with him from the comfort of a shared hospitality box.

If you can’t attend, you can still support by taking part in an online auction featuring rare, highly valuable tennis memorabilia and other items or experiences.

For further information please refer to the event brochure http://www.andymurraylive.com/6302-2

I hope to see you there.

Andy Murray.

ONE of country’s leading experts on the Scottish economy will speak at a Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce business breakfast event this week.

Stephen Boyle, Head of Goup Economics for RBS will address the issues for Scottish business surrounding Brexit and other global impacts at West College Scotland in Clydebank.

The event, entitled “Brexit and Beyond” is part of the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce events programme and has been put together in partnership with RBS and West College Scotland.

Stephen is head of group economics at RBS and a director of the bank’s main pension fund, RBS Pension Trustees Ltd, and is also a trustee of the David Hume Institute and a member of the Policy Committee of the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics.

He was head of business economics at RBS from 1996 to 2001 when he left to establish the Scottish government’s labour market analysis unit, Futureskills Scotland, as well as leading the economics and evaluation functions of Scottish Enterprise. Boyle returned to RBS in 2006 as head of group economics.

“Brexit and Beyond” takes place on Thursday, October 26 from 8am.

For more information, tickets or to find out more about Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce visit www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk

Damon Scott, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce.

WITH Bonfire Night (November 5) fast approaching, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is encouraging owners to start easing their pets into the fireworks season to prevent possible distress.

At 150 decibels, fireworks can be as loud as a jet engine and, with dogs, cats and other pets particularly sensitive to noise, this time of the year can be traumatic and upsetting for many.

Yet with more owners consulting Dr Google (38%) then their local vet (23%) to answer queries and concerns about their dogs’ behaviour, BVA is offering simple evidence-based advice to help owners make informed decisions about their pets’ health and welfare this fireworks season.

Signs of distress can vary among different animals. While some pets show obvious signs such as panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house.

Cats often hide while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet.

Top tips for pets ahead of fireworks season:

If your pet gets severely distressed by fireworks or other noises, contact your local vet to discuss treatment options

Start creating a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start

Pheromone products, prescribed by your vet, can be used next to your pets’ den and around the house to help calm them

Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home

Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors

Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks

If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself – trying to reassure your pet can inadvertently reinforce anxious behaviour, and restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress so don’t punish them.

British Veterinary Association President John Fishwick.