Romsey MP Sandra Gidley has given a pat on the back to special needs staff at a Hampshire College.

Mrs Gidley - whose maiden speech in the House of Commons in May was on education - visited to Applemore College, near Hythe, to learn more about its dyslexia support unit.

Her visit was prompted by constituent Helen Model-Webbe, who wrote to the Romsey MP saying there was not enough awareness of the excellent work being done at the unit - one of the first in the county when it was established years ago. Mrs Gidley met Mrs Model-Webbe's son Alan, diagnosed dyslexic but - with the unit's help - coping with Year 10 studies at the college.

The MP said that special-needs education issues made up the bulk of her constituency caseload.

"I am very aware how many parents have a heart-rending battle to get the best for their children," she said.

"This unit at Applemore is one of the best. I am very impressed with what I have seen here."