TELE readers have rallied round to help an autistic schoolboy who was left traumatised after a thief stole his mobile phone.

Jaymi Mackie, who attends Craigmarloch School, was on a day out with his nan Sandra Boyd at McDonald's in Greenock when a man took his mobile.

The 12-year-old, of Kirkwall Road, who also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was left too distraught to leave the house after the ordeal.

After the story appeared in the Tele, the community has come together to help Jaymi.

Local businessman William McPherson set up an online fundraising page to help buy him a new phone.

He said: "After reading about this young boy it's disgusting that someone would do that to a kid - I hope this guy gets caught.

"Let's all as a community rally together and replace the phone the boy lost."

Pat Burke from charity Children in Poverty Inverclyde has also offered support and Chris Glancey, who owns Funworld and Laser Matrix, is also keen to help.

He said: "It was a sad story so I thought it would be nice to do something for Jaymi.

"We do all inclusive nights once a month in Funworld and try to encourage children with disabilities along to give their parents a break.

"Jaymi is a bit old for Funworld, so we thought he would enjoy coming along to Laser Matrix."

Jaymi's mum Lynne Smith said she is overwhelmed by the support Jaymi he received.

She said: "It's great that everybody has come together like this.

"Everybody has been so kind.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support."

Lynne says police officers have told her that an organised crime gang were behind the theft of Jaymi's phone.

She added: "The police said he was part of an organised criminal gang from down south."

Anyone who would like to donate to the online Just Giving page can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jaymi?