AFC BOURNEMOUTH has launched a new initiative to provide a more autism friendly environment in the club superstore at Vitality Stadium.

On the first Tuesday of every month, the club will run a superstore sensory hour between 4pm and 5pm, with staff receiving training ahead of the launch.

Supported by Autism Wessex, the club will start the scheme on Tuesday, September 3, where music and television screens will be turned off and background noise will be reduced.

Autism is a condition that affects the way the brain processes information.

It can make shopping environments stressful for people with autism and their families.

Tom Johnston, Autism Wessex’s fundraising manager, told the Cherries website: “Some retail environments can be incredibly stressful, distressing and overwhelming.

“For some supporters and families, the changes AFC Bournemouth have made mean that they are able to visit the superstore with confidence.

"The changes give supporters a much calmer in-store experience.