A YOUNG autistic boy was given a day to remember after meeting Cars star Lightning McQueen.

Jesse Evans travelled from West Cumbria to Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park to enjoy a day with one of his favourite characters and spend some time in special autism-friendly shops.

Marks and Spencer, Boots, Smyths, Wilkos and Starbucks all took part in an autism-friendly hour yesterday morning, to celebrate Jesse’s visit.

Stephen and Bettina Evans, parents of the five-year-old, often bring him to Bolton because the youngster enjoys travelling on the motorway.

Stephen said: “Shopping centres can be quite overwhelming, so this is about taking some measures to make shops more accessible.

“He’s obsessed with Lightning McQueen so he really enjoyed it.”

Jesse found himself in the spotlight in December last year when he played the triangle in a brass band Christmas performance at Middlebrook.

While he usually has difficulty communicating, he became lost in the music and was able to play along with the band.

The experience led to Stephen discussing Jesse’s condition with Middlebrook bosses and setting out the autism-friendly hour.

It saw businesses turn down their lights and music inside, helping to combat the sensory overload that can be very uncomfortable for people with autism.

The Lightning McQueen vehicle, which features in the popular Pixar film Cars, was provided by Mick Croskery from Stars and Cars events, who also helps with community fundraising at Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Organisers hope that the event can continue, with Middlebrook bosses aiming to work with retailers and implement an autism-friendly hour as often as once a month.

Jesse’s family helps to raise awareness for autism and celebrate those with the condition through the Facebook page, Jesse Evans – Autism Adventures.

The page uses Jesse’s experiences to inform people about autism and the effects it can have and support events such as the one at Middlebrook. Monday was officially designated World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations, meaning member states are encouraged to take measures toward raising awareness for people with autism throughout the world.

It was also the final day of the National Autistic Society’s World Autism Awareness Week.

n The charity is urging British organisations to take part in fundraising and improve understanding of the condition.