A STRETFORD woman recently diagnosed with autism has set up art classes for people with the condition - and they also give them the opportunity to sell what they create.

Co-ordinator Alice Darlington knows first hand about the benefits of getting involved in an artistic pursuit.

When her mum died the 40-year-old started attending pottery classes and found they helped bring much needed relief at a time of bereavement.

She said: "Back in June my mother suddenly died and I was very, very depressed. I was in the park and I noticed a pottery class going on and they invited me to join in. For that hour I didn't forget about what happened but it took my mind away. It was a little bit of relief for me."

The sessions, which started in December, are free for people with autism and their carers take place at various locations across Greater Manchester including Stretford Hive and they are also open to people who aren't living with the disorder.

Alice co-ordinates the project, funded by the Department of Health and a team of professional tutors take the sessions.

She said attending classes can boost confidence and added: "The other aim is if anyone wants to go on and sell things that they make online they can be supported in that and shown how to take photos of the products and how to describe them. That isn't essential - if no-one wants to do that that's just fine.

No matter what sort of disability i think it's always beneficial to create."

Alice said people who attend the workshops don't need any experience and said one group member has come to art from "a science background" and counts himself as one of the newly converted.

* Anyone interested in finding out more about the Create and Sell classes, which are also open to children if accompanied by a parent or carer, is available by createandsell@yahoo.co.uk.

Create and Sell also has a Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/885525548133744.