A father whose son attends a special needs school has organised a unique Christmas event to fund specialist sensory sport equipment.

Michael Wallace, 45, of St Albans, has an seven-year-old son, Noah, who attends the Collett School in Hemel Hempstead - where half of the students are on the Autism spectrum.

People who have Autism often have sensory issues and Michael has organised the event to help provide specialist sensory sports equipment for the school, which is also a registered charity.

A Caribbean Christmas evening will take place on Friday December 9 at the Verulamians Rugby Football Club in London Colney to fund the equipment.

The father of three, whose two other children attend Beaumont school, added: “The school has been amazing for my son, it’s very unique in that it offers education from four to 18, which means that we don’t have to go through the change of routine when he gets to secondary age.

“The school understands his needs and it has been so good for him.

“I want to do this to give something back. I’m very community-minded and I work with young people though my job and football [as a volunteer coach], so I really hope that it will be a success.”

Guests can expect an evening of authentic Caribbean food, music, a raffle filled with prizes from local businesses, and an auction of special pieces including a signed Chelsea FC shirt.

Michael, who has lived in St Albans for 20 years, added: “I have received overwhelming support from the local community. St Albans Fire and Rescue Service and the local Police have kindly offered to support me on the evening, which is fantastic from a partnership prospective.

“I also received support from St Albans businesses and businesses in London, wishing to contribute to the charity raffle and auction I will be running on the evening.

“The St Albans community is great and I really want this to be a community event where we all come together for a great cause.

“My family are originally from Jamaica and I think the Caribbean theme is something a little different to do locally, I hope everyone comes and enjoys themselves.”

The family-friendly event starts at 7pm and all money raised will go to the school.