AN autistic youngster was left starstruck after coming face-to-face with his idols who read the television news.

Paul Kelly (14), a pupil at Elms Bank High School in Whitefield, was diagnosed with autism at six years old and has been a fan of the ITN News bulletins for as long as his family can remember.

The teenager, of Pine Street, Bury, idolises newsreaders Trevor McDonald, John Suchet and Mark Austin and watches the programme religiously.

So when caring sister Julie-Ann Yeo, of Market Street, Tottington, decided to contact the programme and explain about her younger brother's obsession, she hoped they would send Paul a signed photograph.

However, the siblings were in for a pleasant surprise when they received a special invite to visit the ITN studios in London for a behind-the-scenes tour and to meet some of the nation's most familiar faces, including presenter Mark Austin.

Julie-Ann said: "Words cannot describe what it was like. Everyone was so friendly, it was just amazing. They don't normally allow visits but they did it as a special treat for Paul and we're so grateful."

Paul travelled to London with Julie on September 3, the final day of the Beslan school tragedy in Russia, and sat in the director's gallery as the news went live throughout the afternoon.

Older sister Jane Kelly said: "Paul was completely starstruck. Normally it's difficult to shut him up but when he was introduced to Mark he was just shocked into silence! He still doesn't really talk about it, but just sits with a great big smile on his face watching the news."