The mayor of Cheltenham is preparing to host some very special guests in recognition of their charity work.

Cllr Chris Ryder (pictured) has invited five-year-old Oliver Jones, his mother Heidi and grandmother Chris for tea in the mayor's parlour on Friday.

The mayor wants to thank them for raising awareness of autism for World Autism Week, which runs until this Sunday.

Cllr Ryder will also be discussing how the family have coped with the challenges that autism has presented.

Chris Jones has organised an autism awareness charity evening on Friday, 21 April from 8.30pm at the Working Men's Club in Charlton Kings.

The group Steam Roller will provide the entertainment for the evening and there will be a raffle.

Cllr Ryder said: "I have so much admiration for all the work that Heidi and Chris are doing to raise awareness in Cheltenham for World Autism Week and hope that local residents will go along to find out more and enjoy what promises to be an entertaining charity evening.

"Everyone on the autism spectrum can learn and develop, and with the right support, everyone can be helped to live a more fulfilling life."

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.

Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support.

To find out more about the charity evening and purchase tickets (£5 each), telephone Chris Jones on 01242 230443.

All funds raised by ticket sales and raffle will be presented to Battledown friends group, a charity based at Cheltenham's Battledown centre for children and families, to fund activities to help those with autism and their families.