A woman who set up a company to help autistic children through a new sort of play therapy is appealing for volunteers to become 'playpals'.

Jane Stooks set up the business -- Future Kids -- after her own severely handicapped son George, seven, was helped by a similar scheme in the United States.

Following the course of therapy, Mrs Stooks had a special playroom built at her home in Fritwell, near Bicester.

Now she is appealing for volunteers to use the playroom to learn the ropes.

For four hours a week the volunteers will learn interaction skills, get feedback on their progress, and spend lots of time playing with George in his distraction-free play area. After six months, they will be able to qualify as part-time playpals, and after a year as a full-time playpal.

Mrs Stooks said: "They have just to be creative and fun people -- and full of beans. It's a really good opportunity for anyone, it's a fantastic career.

"It's such a rewarding job. We are very relaxed, very passionate about it, and that's what we want for other people."

Mrs Stooks, 41, and her business partner Stephanie Erasmus are looking for about 100 volunteers over the next year. After they qualify, the playpals will be placed with families affected by autism to help bring the techniques to their homes.

Children with autism have difficulties with communication, both verbal and non-verbal, such as pointing or understanding facial expressions.

Their behaviour is repetitive or ritualistic and they have difficulties with social interaction and become isolated. Playpals help to counter these tendencies by teaching social skills and interaction through imaginative play.

Mrs Stooks added: "It's something that's been desperately needed in this country. George was severely autistic and he has turned around in such a leap over the last three years, he's just a completely different child.

"Autistic children are not children to be forgotten -- they are very much our future. These children are just crying out for us to help them."

To find out more information or to volunteer as a playpal, call 01869 345364.