Bristol volunteers working to support children with Asperger's and austism were among three finalists commended for their charity project.

As part of the National Lottery Awards, the National Autistic Society Out of Schools Clubs charity, which is run throughout the South West, was presented with a finalist trophy by singer Gareth Gates.

The charity had competed against 500 others for the best voluntary project.

Emily Wiseman, the out-of-school project leader for Bristol, and two mothers Lorna Watson and Jane-Marie Mahy joined the charity's CEO for the reception and awards ceremony.

Ms Wiseman said: "While we were disappointed not to win it was an honour to get this far. And it was fantastic to raise awareness about Asperger's and high functioning autism on BBC1 prime time.

"It can be difficult for people to appreciate and understand the challenges faces by people with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome due to the fact that it is an invisible disability. To someone with an autistic spectrum disorder the world can often be a confusing, and meaningless place. Due to the communication difficulties associated with this disability, many of our children are not able to successfully access mainstream clubs and for many this is their only social activity."