A GROUP of 30 autistic youngsters from across East Lancashire were taken to see Tigger the Movie, at Hollywood Park, Burnley.

And for many of them it was the first time they had been to a cinema.

The youngsters, between the age of three and 13, were provided with a private screening of the film and their carers were allowed in free as part of the group's Easter activities.

Fundraiser Tracy Allen, said: "They gave us a cinema of our own so that it didn't matter if the children didn't like it and kicked up a fuss.

"They gave us a reduction and we had already been given a £25 voucher to raffle when we went for a meal at Wacky Warehouse." A fun day was also held for the DJ Fund for Autism at the Dugdale Arms pub, in Dugdale Road, where more than £1,600 was collected.

Crowds of people attended the event which included a marquee full of stalls, an Elizabeth Taylor look-alike, who was selling kisses for £1, a Del Boy look-alike, face painting and a bouncy castle.

A barbecue and disco were provided during the day, while children were given the opportunity to take a close look at a fire engine and police car.

The money collected on the day will pay for treatment for the youngsters, many of whom have to travel to Manchester to see their doctor, as well as funding days out with other children in the same situation.

Pictured is Joe Newsham, 10, one of the youngsters who enjoyed the film at Hollywood Park, with Christine Dillon.