SAINTS players and the mayor will be among those to put on their walking shoes at Taylor Park to help raise awareness of autism.

The Autism and Aspergers Society is hosting the sponsored walk event this April following on from last year’s effort.

This year it is hoped to make it a bigger occasion to tie in with the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Mayor Cllr Joe Pearson and mayoress Sylvia Pearson will start it with metro mayor Steve Rotheram to be in attendance in an unofficial capacity.

The society, which has around 25 regular members, caters for adults in the area on the autism spectrum, relocated to its Hall Street base last year.

Autism affects around 1.4 per cent of the population although campaigners believe the real figure to be higher.

People on the autism spectrum are affected in very different wayswith some having everyday lives while others require a lifetime of help.

A society spokesman said: “We held our first autism awareness event last April which was a great success in all ways.

“We hope that the walk this year will also help to raise awareness and give helpful information about Autism and Asperger syndrome and the support available in St Helens and the surrounding areas.

“It is further hoped that the walk will continue to be an annual event.”

Sponsor forms can be obtainedby email to contact@theautismark.org or on 01744 362260.

The event starts at noon on Sunday, April 8 with the walk, of up to 3km starting at 1.50pm.