MILLOM has become the first town in Cumbria to offer an autism-friendly library.

Millom Library unveiled their specially designed autism area on Saturday in the town's latest efforts to become autism-friendly.

The launch came days before the start of World Autism Awareness Week, which runs from March 26 until April 2.

Ian Lovatt, community services officer at the library on St George's Terrace, said: "Physically, we are at the centre of the town, but we want to be at the heart of the community. The more we can do to make this part of the community, the better it will be.

"Some groups already come to the library and we want to work with everyone to find the best time to bring it out.

"The feedback we have had already is that the library is one of the few places they can bring children to have a play and be safe and it is ideal for that."

As well as offering a range of books and support services, the library includes a sensory dark den, lightbox, and plans to provide a 'social story' online to provide further assistance.

Library assistant Fiona Alban said: "Our dark den is a mini-multi-sensory environment for the children to play in, and we are particularly pleased about our lightbox which children can use for various activities too.

"We want to make it easier for everyone on the spectrum to have an idea of where to go and what we have here.

"The social story will have photos of all the staff and everything from the front door and entrance so they know what to expect."

The launch was attended by a number of councillors from Millom Town Council, Copeland Borough Council, and Cumbria County Council.

Millom mayor Angela Dixon said: "This is one of the best things that has happened here for many years.

"We have a lot of children who need the help of this library and it will be very well received by everyone."

Cllr Felicity Wilson praised the staff at the centre for their efforts in establishing the area.

She said: "This is really nice and it is going to be a great facility for the town.

"There aren't enough services out there for people with special educational needs and too many children have to go out of the area to get the help they need.

"It is great that the library team here are trying to develop this kind of environment where children can come and enjoy books in a safe and stimulating area."

The county council's Local Copeland Committee invested £600 in the new resources.

Chair of the committe, Cllr Hitchen, said: "Millom library plays a central role in the community and Copeland Local Committee was delighted to provide funding for the pop-up sensory area.

"This is a great way to raise awareness of autism and promote the library as an ideal supportive venue.

"Millom Library has already been working with support groups to provide a safe environment with useful resources, and the new sensory area will complement that work really well."

Cumbria County Council's Autism champion for Copeland, Cllr Mike Hawkins, said the launch was the start of the borough's "journey."

He said: "I am delighted to be the first council champion for Autism in Copeland.

"Working alongside council colleagues, members of the business community, parents, carers and people on the Autistic spectrum, we will become an Autism friendly community, allowing people living with Autism to access services and facilities that we all take for granted.

"The opening of this new facility in Millom is to be welcomed and is the start of Copeland’s journey to becoming more inclusive for all our citizens living with Autism."