MUM Amanda Taylor has spoken of her gratitude after Gazette readers donated money to help her two-year-old son Sam, who was diagnosed with autism last year.

Sam, of Century Close, Devizes, has made remarkable progress since the money raised by the Give Sam a Chance appeal funded a specialist to encourage him to talk.

Since the Gazette highlighted Sam's plight in March, hundreds of pounds have been pledged by local individuals and firms.

Mrs Taylor, said: "The change in him has been miraculous. Instead of screaming he comes up to me, touches me on the arm and expresses his needs to me, by signing for what he wants.

"He now manages to complete peg puzzles. His play skills have come along so well he can go to a mainstream nursery school in September."

Mark Ovens raised £600 from a sponsored bike ride, and the Ivy Inn at Heddington, Calne, realised £500 from a raffle.

Bromham-based furniture makers Mark and Cynthia Wilkinson have made Sam's appeal their charity of the year, as well as donating money themselves and giving him a desk and chair where he can study.

Sam, who will be three in December, was unable to speak, communicate or make sense of the world around him. Now, with the help of behavioural analyst Sophie Angus, he has a vocabulary of 60 to 70 words, can almost count up to ten and does not find the visits of strangers to his home distressing.

Sophie Angus has been working with Sam on the Applied Behavioural Analysis programme, which has been proved to have dramatic effects on children with autism.

She said: "Since starting his ABA programme three and a half months ago, Sam has made tremendous progress. He is now able to communicate some of his needs using signs and his speech is really developing. I have high hopes for him if this programme can be continued."

But if it is to continue, the fundraising must also go on. Sam's great grand-uncle, John "Mac" McKinnon of Broadleas Road, Devizes, is about to undertake a sponsored walk along the 120-mile trail along Offa's Dyke.

Sponsorship forms are available at Duck's Newsagents and Jackie's store in Maryport Street.

There is also a Give Sam A Chance charity account number 3230938 at Lloyds TSB Bank.