A SPECIAL room supporting autistic and vulnerable students at a New Forest college has received a generous donation.

The Inspiration Room at Brockenhurst College is a specially-designed zone offering a quiet area to rest or socialise and is staffed by Learning Assistants.

The space is now benefitting from a gift of food and soft furnishings by Asda in Totton,, a donation orchestrated by the store's Community Champion Julie Motherwell.

Blankets, cushions and cereal were among the goods donated, and will help support students throughout the college day.

The Asda store has also offered support for the students’ plans for World Autism Awareness Week, which takes place from April 1to 7.

The initiative sees people participate in activities to raise money for the National Autistic Society and also awareness of the condition.

Asda representatives will visit the college during the week to help students with life skills and budgeting and will run workshops on taste-testing and value-for-money.

One Inspiration Room user said: “Having the throws and cushions makes the Inspiration Room feel very homely, which helps me relax.”

Another student added: “It’s great to not have to worry if I have forgotten or couldn’t bring food, because I can discreetly ask for something and nobody else needs to know.”

Lead Learning Support Assistant Nicky Cully said: “To support our young people throughout their studies we’re trying our best to provide a comfortable routine-based setting that will encourage and empower them to be successful.

“We’re very grateful for Asda’s kind donation and we’re really looking forward to working with them in the future,” she added.

Visit autism.org.uk to learn more about autism or become involved in World Autism Awareness Week.