Plans for a specialist school for seven boys with autism in Kirkstanton near Millom have been shelved after opposition from locals.

An increase in the number of people being diagnosed with autism in the county means specialist services are in short supply.

Paul Shattock, from the Autism Research Unit at the University of Sunderland, said: "When there were not many people being diagnosed with autism the perceived need was not very great.

Limited capacity

"But now there are children coming through the system, and there is a sheer number coming through.

"For the parents the situation is absolutely desperate, in many ways it is a bit of a black spot for these services."

Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with other people.

As a result, their ability to develop friendships is impaired, and they also have a limited capacity to understand other people's feelings.

In children autism is often also associated with learning disabilities.