Luke Firth, six, also has a brain fluid condition and had only been able to repeat the odd word or two.

Sharon Firth, 37, of Stanley Ferry, said her son had struggled in mainstream education but was now a 'different child' after attending Pathways School for those with autism and complex needs.

She is now staging a race and auction night at Wakefield Wildcats to raise money for the Castleford school, which has transformed her son in less than a year.

Mrs Firth said: "Luke is now starting to talk. His confidence is booming. He is just a completely different child and I just put that down to the staff and the dedication they have at the school.

"I just feel completely indebted and he has only been there since January. "

The mum-of-one said he had only been able to repeat words before, but could now volunteer information.

She added: "He recently said 'Love you' after I told him that I loved him. I was very touched by his reply because normally I would say it to him but would never get anything back.

"Now he is quite happy to volunteer these words and to ask for things when he needs them."

The fundraising drive was kick-started by a sizable donation from Mrs Firth's bosses at Cape Industrial Services at Paragon Business Village at Junction 41 industrial estate.

Credit manager Mrs Firth has also rung up local businesses to ask them to donate prizes for her event. The owner of Lofthouse Security Systems has offered two lucky people a flight in a Cessna aircraft. Husband John Firth, 47, will also fly someone over their house in a microlight aircraft.

The event on Friday, November 28, starts in the Wildcats' bar at 7.30pm and tickets at £2 are available on the night.