AUTISM Networks in Crewe have finished building a state-of-the-art sensory room after receiving a £10,000 grant from the Guardian.

The funding was awarded last year by the Gannett Foundation, the parent company of the Crewe and Nantwich Guardian, so that a new interactive room could be built.

With bright lights and an abundance of colours, the room is already providing young people with a place of tranquillity and is becoming a vital part of their coping strategy.

John Hannon, chairman of Austim Networks, said: “We used to travel up to Preston to use a sensory room.

“We wanted to make it more accessible because if young people or children need to have that sensory input then they can’t always access it very freely.

“We don’t bar anyone from coming in, if they’re 62 and they want to come in they can do.”

The sensory room has interactive games, coloured lights, projected images, a disco ball, a music system, soft beanbags and a vibrating light-up ball pit.

All of this equipment, installed by Rompa, is helping to calm the minds of those with autism who struggle with a variety of social, physical and emotional problems.

Mr Hannon added: “It’s that fascination of movement and light and that stimulation that they get a lot from.

“The music has been really popular but everybody seems to go for the buttons that make sounds and some kids have liked the bubble tube with the lights.”

Judith Ralphs, trustee and director, said: “The sensation of jumping in all the balls and knowing it’s not hurting them is so beneficial.”

The Guardian’s grant has allowed Autism Networks to achieve their long-term goal and the team are over the moon.

Mr Hannon added: “It’s really good to be able to get a huge sensory room that’s going to last us a long while.

“People will come in and say ‘right you’ve got an environment here’ but it’s so much more than that for the parents. It’s a blessing in disguise.”