Parents are celebrating after winning backing for a bid to set up a specialist school for children with autism.

The school would be the first of its kind in Sussex and is the result of a campaign by two mothers of autistic children.

Clare Greaves and Sophie Spearman, of Worthing, wanted to save other parents from going through the same struggles they did trying to arrange schooling for the severely autistic sons.

Ms Greaves, for founder of the National Autistic Society (NAS) Worthing branch said: “This is a great opportunity for West Sussex, where there is a lack of appropriate educational provision for many young people who have autism.

“I hope that people will come along to a consultation event to hear The NAS Academies Trust’s plans for the school and to show their support for a much-needed local resource.”

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Ms Greaves got involved with the NAS after her son Joseph, 10, was diagnosed with autism aged two.

She was so impressed with its support she started fundraising for it and a few years later was asked to set up the Worthing branch.

As part of the bid to the Department for Education parents and families are invited to an event where they can hear more about the proposals.

The school will cater for 60-80 pupils and would open in September 2015.

Ben Higgins, education development lead at the NAS Academies Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to work with local parents to develop a bid for a special school for children with autism.

“Autism is a spectrum condition that affects everyone differently, so it’s vital that families affected by autism can choose from a range of schools and access the best education for their children locally.

“We look forward to meeting local parents and children to show them our plans and hear their views.”

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people.

It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

People with autism share certain difficulties but their condition will affect them in different ways. They experience an enhanced or reduced sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

A presentation will be held in the Shaftsbury Room of Worthing Sports Centre, Shaftsbury Avenue, between 10.30am to 2pm on Tuesday, October 15.