MARIE Rimmer has pledged to champion autism awareness which affects more than 3,000 people in her constituency.

The MP for St Helens South and Whiston, who is a member of the all party parliamentary group on autism, met local families and heard their stories at a reception at the Houses of Parliament. She explained: "I was moved by what I heard from people living with autism. They spoke of how negative public attitudes and misconceptions about autism can harm families and individuals and limit their opportunities.

"More than one per cent of the UK population have the condition and many have battled to get their needs identified, diagnosed and understood and then met.

"I plan to actively promote more awareness in St Helens South and Whiston to improve access to public spaces, employment and services. This will enable more people living with autism to play an active role in their community and to achieve their full potential."

The event was attended by nearly 100 MPs and the president of the National Autistic Society actress and author Jane Asher who said: "Awareness of the word autism has increased dramatically since I first became involved many years ago but understanding of this complex condition is still desperately low. That's why I'm very grateful that so many parliamentarians came to the event.

"MPs have the power to make a real change in the lives of those with autism by helping us to spread understanding among their local communities. I do hope they will work with us in trying to make the world a more welcoming place for those affected and their families."