MELANIE Lewis, from Woolsery, is organising a three mile Thomas & Friends themed Train Walk on Sunday (June 7) from Bideford Old Station, East-the-Water, to help raise funds for The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism.

Based upon the classic Thomas & Friends books and characters, the Train Walk will see local families and friends walk together in a long train to help raise funds for people affected by autism.

Melanie, who has an 11-year-old son with autism and is also the Chairperson of the North Devon Forum For Autism and Related Behaviours, said: "Our Train Walk is going to be a fantastic day out for all the family. As well as the walk itself there will also be picnic on Instow beach so don't forget your picnic baskets. We hope to see as many people as possible having fun and raising vital funds for the NAS and its work locally. Autism is a serious,

lifelong and disabling condition, but the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to

people's lives."

Naomi Wilkinson, presenter of Five's Milkshake, said: "Train Walks are a fantastic way to raise much needed funds for people with autism, a disability which affects over half a million people in the UK. What a great chance to have a brilliant day out — come on people, let's get walking!"

For more information about the Bideford Train Walk, or to take part, visit http://www.trainwalk.org.uk">www.trainwalk.org.uk or call 0845 180 0426 or email [email protected]">[email protected]. If you would like to contact the North Devon Forum for Autism and Related Behaviours please call 07932 481332 or email

[email protected]">[email protected].