A MATCHAMS racetrack regular has spray painted his car to show support for charity Autism Wessex.

Autism Wessex supporter Derek Trotter unveiled the new signage on his race car – the Autism Wessex logo – and met some of the pupils he is hoping to help through raising awareness.

Mr Trotter is the husband of one of Autism Wessex’s residential home managers and is a keen supporter of the regional charity.

A regular racer at Matchams, he said: “Autism Wessex is a charity close to my heart and I wanted to do something to raise awareness of the vital work they do to support people affected by autism – and I thought adding the logo to my car was the perfect way I could personally show my support.”

Autism Wessex is the regional charity for anyone affected by autism across Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Portfield School is just one of the many services it offers.

Tyler Collins, headteacher of Portfield School, said: “This is a fantastic idea to raise the profile of the school and awareness of the charity as a whole, while the pupils loved meeting Derek and seeing our logo on the car.

“All awareness and fundraising really does make a difference to what we can offer at the school and the lives of the children and adults the charity supports.”

Autism Wessex and Mr Trotter would also like to thank Roland Hilder, who sprayed the car and added the logo.