WELL-WISHERS are setting off this weekend on a 1,500-mile drive to the Ukraine to help a school being set up in a flat.

A horsebox filled with equipment will make the trip from Huddersfield.

The materials will help to get the school for autistic children off the ground in the town of Gorlovka.

In less than a year members of the Reachout charity have raised cash, not only for the goods but also for the flat where the youngsters will be taught.

Education professionals in West Yorkshire promised to help after hearing about past ill-treatment of autistic children in the town.

Reachout chairwoman Julie Thompson said the visit to the Ukraine was the culmination of a year's hard work.

"We are really grateful to all those individuals and organisations who have helped this dream become a reality for these children," she added.

One of the charity's founding members is a Ukrainian mother, now settled in Huddersfield, who has written a book about autism.

She made the group aware of appalling conditions for autistic children in Gorlovka.

Many die from neglect after being put in institutions.

A group of parents have withdrawn their children from homes and are teaching them independently.

Ms Thompson visited the Ukraine last year to see their struggle.

She inspired Reachout to take on the responsibility of paying the teachers each month and to buy a property for use as a school. Two months ago the flat was bought.

A second group of volunteers who will help with building work in the flat will fly out to Gorlovka for a two-week stay.

Ms Thompson said: "We are all a bit nervous about the trip, especially those who are driving overland. We are not really sure what to expect on the way."

The families in the Ukraine were really excited about the new venture, she added.

"We are taking all kinds of equipment to make this the best school the children could hope for.

"Of course, once we have finished this trip our work will still continue," said Ms Thompson.

* To contribute money or goods phone Ms Thompson on 07946086779.