CUMBRIA'S first Autism-friendly library is set to open later this month after plans were revealed for the centre.

Millom Library will be transformed in an attempt to offer support to families and children living with autism.

The centre, on St George's Terrace, will offer a range of books and support services, as well as a sensory dark den, as the town continues its bid to become autism-friendly.

Library assistant Siona Alban said: "My daughter is Autistic and I am part of the Autism Around the Combe support group.

"For a long time I thought it would be a good idea to make the library Autism-friendly and get a good collection of books and that was the trigger of it all.

"We've got the books together now and the sensory equipment too and it is really going to help us try and be more autism-friendly in the town."

The library was given a £600 funding boost from members of Cumbria County Council's local Copeland committee as they sought to bring their plans to action.

Ian Lovatt, community services officer at the library, said: "Siona has been leading the work on this and we're pleased to be doing this.

"We have been aware on an informal basis of different groups contacting us and there is a genuine demand for autism support.

"We want to help people in the community and we are hoping to meet the demand in some way.

"We already have a wide selection of autism books and sources of information and this additional range of resources will enable the library to develop its service and continue to support the local community needs, enabling Millom Library to be the first autism friendly library within Cumbria County Council."

Mr Lovatt said the launch, which will take place later this month, is only the beginning of their plans.

He said: "This launch is only the start of what we want to do.

"Our autism awareness event, where we will be launching these new resources, books and information, is the first important step for us in raising awareness of autism and promoting the library as a supportive venue for the future.

"We have worked with local groups such as Autism Around the Combe and St James' Autism Hub in order to respond appropriately to requirements and hope that we might continue to support their needs and activities."

The plans were praised by Stephen Evans, of Seathwaite Close, Millom whose son Jesse lives with Autism.

He said: "As a parent, any business that is looking to do something Autism-friendly is going to be an asset to the town.

"Jesse loves going to the library and to make it accessible for people with autism is fantastic.

"We are all working towards making the town better for people with autism and this is another step in the right direction."

The new centre was also praised by Millom mayor Angela Dixon, who has spoken in the past of her ambition of making the town autism-friendly, including her dream to renovate Millom park to create a sensory garden.

She said: "I'll support anything that is right for the community.

"We've got quite a few autistic children in Millom and they need all the help and support they can get."

The centre will be officially opened by Cumbria County Councillor Keith Hitchen, chair of the Copeland Local Committee, alongside cllr Mike Hawkins, Copeland's Autism champion.

It will be launched with a special event on Saturday March 24 between 11am and 1pm.

It comes ahead of national Autism Awareness week between March 26 and April 2.

There will also be a raffle with a range of prizes donated by local businesses, with all proceeds going to the National Autistic Society.