Autistic students are giving up their spare time to help run a social club for people with learning disabilities.

The Sunnybank Trust, based in St Barnabas Church, in Temple Road, Epsom, offers an activities club Kites, a friendship programme, and independent advocacy service for those with learning disabilities in the area.

In 2013, the Epsom Guardian ran the Shine On appeal and helped the charity raise £35,000 to ensure its future.

It is now thriving.

Seven pupils from Linden Bridge School, in Worcester Park, all of whom have autism, have been working at the Kites club each week to achieve their Gateway Award - Mencap’s version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Roles the students have taken on include administration, reception duties and acting as doormen, helping at the disco, serenading club members on the guitar, setting up an clearing away.

Dorothy Watson, chief executive of The Sunnybank Trust, said: "New friendships are being formed between the students and other club members, regardless of age.

"We think this is an example of fabulous community co-working."

The Reverend Andy Cain, vicar at St Mary’s Church, in Cuddington, was involved in initiating the partnership between The Sunnybank Trust and Linden Bridge School.

He said: "It has been a real pleasure to see and be part of the growing community spirit in the local area.

"Sunnybank Trust and Linden Bridge School both give so much to so many.

"I was so pleased to be able to introduce the two excellent organisations to each other.

"In the same spirit, I would love to hear from you.

"Twitter or email if you have something to give to your community but are not sure where to engage.

"As Aesop reminds us, ‘in union there is strength’."

Email Rev Cain on Rev.andy.cain@icloud.com or tweet @StMarysCudd.

For more information on The Sunnybank Trust visit www.sunnybanktrust.org or on Linden Bridge School visit www.linden-bridge.surrey.sch.uk.