A LOVING sister has shared an emotional appeal for the nation to help her autistic brother celebrate his 21st birthday.

The idea is simple - for kind-hearted folk to send Bolton's James Weir a birthday card.

Sister Lucy, aged 23, said that autism has caused James to be anxious and lonely without friends.

Hundreds of residents have pledged to make November 30 his best birthday yet after Lucy shared her appeal on Facebook.

Lucy's message read: "This is James. My not-so-baby brother and he is turning 21 on November 30.

"James has autism and this makes it difficult for him to make friends and socialise.

"He gets anxious in social situations and finds it hard to communicate effectively with others.

"Sadly, James has no friends and it breaks our hearts.

"So, I have come up with an idea or surprise for his birthday.

"I wondered if you kind folk out there will share this post and send James a birthday message or card.

"Even if he only got a few I know he'd be over the moon."

As someone who is said to have no friends, the 20-year-old has attracted the attention of thousands from across the globe.

Supporters from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and India have pledged to send a card or message.

Thankfully, James, who studies at Brownlow Fold Community Centre College, is not someone who uses the internet often, according to his mum.

Lucy and James' mum, April Weir, said: "It's hard to say what James' response will be like. He's always wanted to do something that would go viral on the internet, so he should be very happy.

"James is a very intelligent, polite boy, though as Lucy has already said, lonely and socially awkward.

"He would really like a job, though it's what to do that stretches him.

"I am literally amazed at the response. Lucy has had over 3,000 emails. There have been many, many kind offers. He will be busy for the next few months."

The 56-year-old lives with husband Chris, aged 60, and their three children, Lucy, James, and Rachel, aged 26.

A dedicated page has now been launched for dinosaur-fan James to keep in contact with those who write to him in the future.

For anyone hoping to send a themed card or gift, Lucy has put together a helpful list of James' interests and hobbies, including astronomy, Egyptian history, Titanic and Marvel.

He is also a fan of the Royal family, reading, planes, trains and automobiles.

Lucy said: "We feel it's really not necessary to get gifts. However, if you really wish to, as some of you are adamant, anything from this list will be ok.

"He is also size medium as a few have you asked his clothing size. And yes he is a huge chocoholic."

She added: "Thank you again, I am totally overwhelmed and emotional by all the kind gestures and messages.

"Lots of love, Lucy."

The appeal has gained support from the National Autistic Society.

Chief executive at the National Autistic Society Mark Lever said: “We were really pleased to share Lucy’s Facebook post, inviting our supporters to send birthday cards to her brother.

“Nearly 80 per cent of autistic people tell us they feel socially isolated, which is why the National Autistic Society is working hard to increase understanding of autism among the public through our ‘Too Much Information’ campaign.

“We join with the thousands of people responding to Lucy’s campaign to wish James a very happy birthday.”

Messages, cards and gifts can be sent to James Weir, c/o Waring and Co, Churchgate House, Churchgate, Bolton, England, United Kingdom, BL1 1HL.

Alternatively, email it directly to Lucy at lucyndaweir@gmail.com.