REACH for Autism’s first ever ball has raised an incredible £11,000 to help support families in Inverclyde.

Their hardworking fundraising committee scored impressive auction lots, which included a prize painting by Scotland’s most critically acclaimed artist Peter Howson going for more than £2,000.

But the undoubted stars on the night were the young people who spoke with passion about the difference the charity has made to their lives.

The Ratho Street centre opened two years ago with the aim of not only improving the chances of young people on the autistic spectrum but also changing the public’s attitude towards them.

At the glitzy town hall ball the Reach team showed they are winning on both fronts.

One of the organisers, Margaret McGowan, said: “It really was a fantastic night and we can’t quite believe the success.

“ We would like to thank everyone who came along and all those who contributed to making it such a success.

“We never expected to raise so much, and we have already booked for next year.”

There were some attractive donations to be auctioned off on the night by expert Stuart Guthrie, who had to make fast work of 16 different lots.

Peter Howson’s signature work, Dante leads Virgil to the stars, led the way with a winning bid of £2,200.

Other works of art included originals by the late Port Glasgow painter John Cunningham and Tele cartoonist Tom Johnstone.

There was also a chance of a holiday on the private island of Eilean Shona, which inspired JM Barrie to write Peter Pan, donated by owner Vanessa Branson, sister of Virgin tycoon Sir Richard.

There was also a designer wedding cake worth hundreds of pounds by Claire Cameron and tickets to a sell out Jake Bugg gig in Glasgow kindly donated by local man Dave McGeachan of DF concerts.

Mum-of-four Margaret McGowan helped set up Reach for Autism with founder Vicki McCarthy.

Two of her grown up children are on the autistic spectrum.

She said: “I wish there had been something like this when my children were small — there were times when you felt so isolated and would cross the road to avoid speaking to people.

“I just wanted to help parents like me, and Reach has made such a difference.”