A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy is taking on a sponsored walk in support of his autistic best friend.

Harrison Farr came up with the idea to mark World Autism Awareness Week and raise money in the name of Rhyli Francis.

Harrison, of Swffryd, near Pontypool, will be joined by his Sofrydd Primary School classmate for the fundraiser at Bryn Bach Park in Ebbw Vale on Saturday, April 9, from 10am.

Rhyli, who lives in Brynithel with mum Gemma and dad David, was diagnosed with autism in January, 2015.

Mrs Francis said: "At the beginning he had communication problems - he couldn't express himself - but now he is good at that.

"He has got development delays but is coping well at the moment. We see it as him being 'wired up differently', and he struggles with noise and sunlight because of sensory differences.

"His school has been amazing and Rhyli has made some fantastic little friends, no more than Harrison who doesn't really understand what autism is but knows that Ryhli is a bit different."

Harrison, who lives with mum Claire Blanche, dad Andrew Farr and sister Darcie, plans to walk around the park as many times as he can, and has told friends and family he wants to "raise a million pounds for Rhyli".

Mr Francis added: "When Harrison said this is what he wants to do, we couldn't believe it. For a five-year-old to want to do that for his friend is unreal.

"He doesn't fully understand the condition but just wants to help his friend - words cannot express how that makes us all feel.

"It has been a tough five years, helping Rhyli, and there will be hard times ahead, but with support like Harrison's and our growing understanding of autism, we will be able to give him the happiest life possible."

World Autism Awareness Week runs from Saturday, April 2, to Friday, April 8.

To support Harrison's sponsored walk, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/rhylijamesfrancis.