MORE than 450 families joined forces throughout the month of March to celebrate the autistic people they love.

Parent-led network mASCot is a Brighton-based group made-up of families who have children with ASC - autistic spectrum conditioning.

It recently completed a month-long campaign, March4mASCot, in which members celebrated both the support provided by the carers and parents who were members, and the children themselves.

The network provides families with access to experienced peer support and expertise, courses and workshops, social groups and clubs for children, activities, courses, therapies, meet ups and outings.

Throughout March, mASCot has been fundraising to collect money that will help its members maintain and develop its support programme, allowing it to continue its work with families living with ASC.

The final event of the March4mASCot event was a four mile long sponsored walk from Hove Lagoon to Black Rock, with participants dressing up and waving colourful banners to complete the event.

It has currently raised £190, and is looking to collect a total of £500.