The family of a young boy with Aspergers Syndrome are seeking an unusual method of support for their dog-loving son.

Mr and Mrs Taylor, Banbury, are hoping that their fundraising initiatives will pay for an Autism Assistance Dog for five-year-old son, Donte.

Leah Taylor, Dontes mother, said: “This Assistance Dog would mean so much to him and we know as parents that this will make his life so much easier for him and also give him that companion that he will always be able to rely on and trust.”

Young Donte has already been accepted by a Scottish charity, Appaws Assistance Dogs, who specialise in training dogs to tackle autism specific tasks.

However, the family need to raise £3,000 for the training, and have already turned to raffles, rallies and other forms of fundraising in a bid to raise the cash.

According to Appaws Assistance Dogs, their training provides pets with autism specific skills which encourage social skills and independence in children suffering from Aspergers Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders.