AN ITALIAN food and wine evening in Otley has raised £800 for an autism support group.

The event was held at Our Lady and All Saints Catholic Church’s Parish Centre, Clitherow House, on Saturday, December 1.

Supported by live music from The Assumption Ceilidh Band, it sold out - boosting the total raised for Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource (AWARE).

The organisers said: “The Assumption provided great live music for those attending, making it a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported the event, especially those who gave their time to help make the evening a great success.

The proceeds from the night were presented by the grandson of the organisers, Thomas Poole (a member of the AWARE Youth Club in Addingham) to AWARE Project Manager Rachel Miller.

AWARE is a locally based group, run by parents, which supports families affected by autism and covers the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven areas.

It members include families and supporters as well as health, education and social care professionals.

Part of the group’s role is to help families access the available local health, social care and education services which can make a difference to people with autism.