COWDENBEATH is a town where the cause to support people with autism has always been strong.

Indeed, at Woodend Scottish Autism's purpose built day service unit provides a large life skills kitchen and dining area, therapy room, sensory room, social area and other multipurpose areas to support service users with autism and is an outstanding facility.

And this week staff at the Cowdenbeath Morrison's Store were delighted to present Appaws for Autism with a cheque from the Morrisons Foundation for £10,000 which will greatly help further develop the facilities at Woodend.

The Morrisons Foundation provides match funding for Morrisons colleagues to support local causes and offers grants to registered charities undertaking projects that improve people's lives.

The Morrisons Foundation is funded by a number of revenue streams and is the chief recipient of the money generated through the sale of carrier bags, with a portion of the money also generated by charity scratch cards and clothing banks in Morrisons stores.

Carol Chisholm, Founder and Company Director from Appaws for Autism, based in Cowdenbeath, set up the charity in 2014.

Carol has spent her working life in Special Educational Needs and having an autistic adult son, saw a hug gap in the supply and training of autism assistance dogs.

The charity provides support as well as spreading awareness, creating acceptance and providing advocacy for any ASD individual and/or family members.

Carol had heard of the Morrisons Foundation and decided to go on line and apply.

Carol said this week: "The Morrisons Foundation graciously donated a cheque for £10K and we are overwhelmed if I'm being honest. We can kit out our sensory room for the children who need to regulate their sensory input/output.

"The money raised in Scotland stays in Scotland and for one of our local charities to receive such a boost is fantastic".

Registered charities undertaking projects and looking for support can go to www.morrisonsfoundation.com to apply.