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Pupils and staff at Risca Comprehensive will be walking two miles this weekend to raise money for the school’s Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) centre.

The annual ‘Walkies for Autism’ event, which usually lasts around 45 minutes, will be held at Cwmcarn Forest from 10.45am on Sunday March 26.

Members of the public are welcome to join in with the walk, which takes place ahead of World Autism Awareness Week – which starts the following day on March 27.

The school’s ASC centre is for young people with autism aged between 11 and 16, who receive support and learn key skills.

Funds raised at last years’ walk went towards the centre’s garden area to create a space where pupils can improve their confidence and self-esteem.

The money also went towards providing the centre with tools and resources for their allotment and sensory garden.

Funds raised at this year’s walk will help the school build on its Ci project, which sees the centre work with the school’s Additional Learning Needs (ALN) department in the garden.

So far this year, the project has seen pupils plant and harvest pumpkins to make pumpkin jam.

Headteacher John Kendall said: “I was delighted to see this event back on the school calendar last year after a two-year break because of Covid. It was extremely well attended and I have no doubt that will also be the case this year.

“Although I am retiring in August, I hope to be back for the annual Walkies for Autism with my dogs for several years to come. Many thanks to the organisers, and to everyone who takes part.”

Contact taffyterrier@gmail.com to register to take part in the walk, or visit GoFundMe to make a donation.