A COUPLE who appealed to News Shopper readers to help their autistic son escape his own little world were over- whelmed by your response.

Jim Peters, 41, of Borkwood Way, Orpington, and his wife Tina, 38, asked people to help them treat their son Sean's condition.

Sean, nine, has severe autism and very limited language and communication skills.

The pair needed volunteers to play with Sean in a specially-designed room in their home.

They are recreating an American programme which uses interactive play to help autistic children communicate.

Their appeal appeared in News Shopper on January 15 but they were not prepared for the response.

Mr Peters said: "Nearly 30 people rang up and we are in the process of screening them. We are hopeful we will get lots of suitable volunteers to help Sean."

The Greenwich Council social services worker said: "There were men and women, teachers, a police dog handler and a solicitor. All sorts really."

Once the parents have chosen suitable volunteers they will train them but want to thank people for their generous response.

Mr Peters said: "We really weren't expecting anything like this. We've been blown away by the replies. We hope this will help Sean join us in our world."