AUTISM support groups in Bingley and Keighley are teaming up to host a huge fundraising party to bankroll a range of activities in 2016.

The Keighley & District branch of the National Autistic Society provide help, support and resources to families along the Aire Valley.

Trained volunteers work with children on the autism spectrum as well as adults, parents and carers and also provide support for those going through diagnosis.

Last Easter organiser Matthew Morley, of Bingley, did a spectacular fundraising sky dive with his mother Maureen, then 68, and together they raised more than £2,000 for the charity.

He said the coming Big Night Out event on Saturday, November 28, was also aimed at paying for events next year," said Mr Morley, whose son Oscar, aged ten, has autism.

"Throughout 2016 we will be using the funds to help our local families and will be discussing ideas over the coming months.

"Our ideas include part-funded trips out and possible holidays, autism-friendly swimming sessions and much more, depending on what our families need.

"There are quite a few difficulties as children with autism often need to have everything planned very carefully in advance and they have a lot of environmental sensitivity.

"So what seems like quiet background noise to us can sound deafening to them and result in stress and meltdown."

"This year we have been concentrating on raising funds and on November 28, we are holding a Big Night Out at Pennington’s Octagon at Sandbeds, Keighley, with live music, casino, comedy, table magic and a grand prize draw."

Compere for the evening is stand-up comedian John Williams and there will be live music from top local covers band Liquid Brick and original instrumental music from world-class Bradford musician Dave Brons.

The Keighley support group meets at Lavender Fields cafe, Cavendish Street on the third Monday each month from 6pm to 8pm and the Bingley group meets at Great Shakes bar every Monday from 10am to 12pm through term-time.

Both groups are free and all are welcome to join in discussions and listen to visiting speakers.

Tickets cost £15 and include supper – full information and ticket sales can be found at KeighleyAutism.co.uk/BigNightOut