DENBIGHSHIRE’S first-ever programme for families with children living with autism and additional requirements will launch next month in Prestatyn.

Creatasmile Cymru, a voluntarily-run registered charity will be expanding its operations to the town from Saturday, February 3 and the occasion will be marked with a ceremony at Prestatyn Leisure Centre, opened by the Mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden, Cllr Gerry Frobisher.

Sharon Lee Bateman, co-founder of Creatasmile said: “It really is a Godsend for families, not just for the children. We’re really looking forward to making new friends and meeting new faces in Prestatyn.”

The voluntary organisation was founded in Kinmel Bay Leisure Centre in 2009 by Mrs Bateman with her husband – former Mayor of Towyn and Kinmel Bay Edward Bateman – to find support in raising their son Benjamin, 14, who has autism.

Mrs Bateman added: “We don’t see why children with additional requirements shouldn’t have the same opportunities as anyone else – and that includes those in Prestatyn.

“The demand for services is incredibly high. Currently their nearest support centre is in Towyn and isn’t easily accessible for many.”

Creatasmile Cymru already provides support groups in Llandudno, Llanrwst, Towyn, Llangollen, Wrexham and Beaumaris for about 1,200 families across North Wales.

It will hold support sessions on the first Saturday of every month from 10am at Prestatyn Leisure Centre.