A LOCAL charity which supports autism-affected families in Wales has joined a national scheme to provide iPads for local children with autism - in exchange for old mobile phones.

The Autism Directory, set up by Penarth mum Nadine Honeybone, is working with UK autism charity Hearts & Minds Challenge - which is providing iPads for every 165 mobile phones they receive.

And store manager of Penarth phone shop Fonehouse, Mike Kerby, has agreed to collect the old phones on their behalf.

Directory-founder Nadine - who set up the online network after her son was diagnosed with autism aged two and she found it difficult to find autism-friendly resources - said: "We've put a box in the shop and once we've collected 165 old mobiles we can exchange them for an iPad which we will donate to a child in Penarth with autism."

Mr Kerby said the scheme had benefits for the Glebe Street shop too.

"We're often asked if we take old phones and have to say no as it costs us to dispose of them Ð but this is an excellent opportunity to solve that problem and do something good for charity," he said.

Nadine said every person who donates a phone will be entered into a draw to have their mortgage paid for a year by the Hearts & Minds Challenge initiative.

They will also be able to nominate a local child with autism to receive the iPad.

"By using iPads children with autism can work on receptive and expressive language, fine motor skills, problem solving skills and joint attention," added Nadine.

The scheme is open to everyone and mobiles are being accepted now. Forms to nominate a local child are available at the shop.

* To find out more on Hearts & Minds Challenge and their iPad Scheme go to www.heartsandmindschallenge.org/

* For more information on the Autism Directory log on to www.theautismdirectory.com/