A CAMPAIGNING mum has raised over £10,000 for her effort to make Inverclyde a more autism-friendly area.

Mother-of-three Laura Graham, who started her charity Kerr's Journey for her son, has joined forces with her friends at Branchton Community Centre to transform a room there into a quiet haven for when lockdown restrictions lift.

She has plans for music therapy sessions as well as more resources in other community hubs.

Laura, who has helped other parents ever since Kerr was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, said: "I can't believe how generous people have been with donations and their time.

"We have had so much support.

"We've raised a lot of money and have funding to get a sensory room at Branchton.

"It will be a space for the whole community.

"I've raised £10,000 towards community hubs, launching music therapy sessions for children and I am helping as many local establishments as possible to become autism-friendly, including our A&E at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

"The community is coming together."

Kerr, now six, was the inspiration behind Laura's charity as she began writing a blog to support other families.

Laura, who has an older daughter Abbey, 11, and one-year-old son Keir, recently enlisted the help of lots of local organisations to boost recognition during Autism Awareness Week.

Inverclyde Council, the Tele, Morton, Port Glasgow Juniors, Man On Inverclyde, Boogie Bugs, The Exchange, Inverclyde Catering and Events and many other business and local organisations joined the campaign.

Line of Duty star Martin Compston from Greenock and Port TV presenter Jean Johansson also showed their support.

Laura said: "This is the goal, our community standing as one."