LAWRIE McMenemy did the honours and cut the ribbon, opening a new and innovative educational centre for autistic sufferers in Hampshire.

Volunteers and supporters of the Hampshire Autistic Society turned out to celebrate the opening of the new resource centre in Bassett Avenue, Southampton.

The centre will provide five post-16-year-olds with the opportunity to continue their education, learning vital skills within an environment that is specifically suited to their needs.

Lucy Wood, deputy head at the centre, said: "This centre has the first electronic white board we have ever had, which is really beneficial to these types of learners who learn through sensory and visual methods.

"It makes a huge difference and the centre is so much better for them."

Lawrie McMenemy added: "This is a terrific centre and I am delighted about anything that helps these young people.

"There are many youngsters in Hampshire who will really benefit from this centre as it will provide them with more opportunities to become part of the community."

The centre honoured Ann Jarman with a educational suite named after her. Ann retired last October after 14 years as fundraising manager.

Ann said: "It is very nice that the society felt they wanted to honour me in this way.

"I have worked with the society for 14 years and have been able to watch it grow and grow."

Sally Stemp, fundraising manager, added: "We named it after Ann as we thought it would be a nice lasting legacy for all the work she has done for the society."

Volunteers and supporters of the Hampshire Autistic Society turned out to celebrate the opening of the new resource centre in Bassett Avenue, Southampton.

The centre will provide five post-16-year-olds with the opportunity to continue their education, learning vital skills within an environment that is specifically suited to their needs.

Lucy Wood, deputy head at the centre, said: "This centre has the first electronic white board we have ever had, which is really beneficial to these types of learners who learn through sensory and visual methods.

"It makes a huge difference and the centre is so much better for them."

More opportunities Lawrie McMenemy added: "This is a terrific centre and I am delighted about anything that helps these young people.

"There are many youngsters in Hampshire who will really benefit from this centre as it will provide them with more opportunities to become part of the community."

The centre honoured Ann Jarman with a educational suite named after her. Ann retired last October after 14 years as fundraising manager.

Ann said: "It is very nice that the society felt they wanted to honour me in this way.

"I have worked with the society for 14 years and have been able to watch it grow and grow."

Sally Stemp, fundraising manager, added: "We named it after Ann as we thought it would be a nice lasting legacy for all the work she has done for the society."