A replica of an Uppies and Downies ball will go under the hammer to help an autism support group founded by the wife of a player.

Wendy Askew, 45, of Mitchell Avenue, Northside, has set up Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland 18 months ago.

Her husband Ryan, 49, has played the game for years and has hailed five balls.

Their son Kyle, 18, has autism and before the group was set up, the couple said there was not enough in the area to support families with autistic children.

The couple also have a 20-year-old son, Connor.

Wendy, who set up the group with two friends, said: "The group is a lifeline because there isn't much locally. We support both families with children who have been diagnosed and those awaiting one.

"We have different speakers each month giving advice and providing information and we organise activities for the children."

The group, which meets the first Thursday of the month at Distington Community Centre, is hoping to become a charity and be able to apply for funding to the Big Lottery to create a drop-in centre with sensory equipment.

Barry Parker, 50, of Carlisle, is originally from Moorclose and has played Uppies and Downies since he was 12.

He has hailed three balls in the past and has offered to make a replica to sell at auction to raise funds for the group.

Wendy said: "We've organised many fund-raising events in the past with the Uppies and Downies and this is the fourth ball that Barry makes for charity.

"Previous ones have been sold for up to £1,100."

Barry said: "It's a bit of a secret art and I'm self-taught, although I have the approval of the ball maker Mark Rawlinson. It took me about 35 to 40 hours to make this one, but it's nothing compared to the time that Wendy and Ryan put into the group. 

"I get a lot of pride out of making something that only a few people can make. Giving it to help a local group is really important to me, the local kids need a bit of help and I can't think of a better cause."

They're hoping that 130 people will attend the fund-raising night at Workington's Railway Club on April 9, when the auction and a raffle will take place.

Barry's grandson Keegan, eight, handed over the replica ball to the Askew family.