A DORSET village has rallied round to help newcomers who have a severely disabled child.

And it is hoped that help will be forthcoming to clear the garden in time for the delivery of an enormous climbing frame for her on June 1.

The Webb family has had such a welcome since they moved to Shillingstone that they have gone public to thank their neighbours.

Their youngest daughter Lindsey, 14, who suffers from severe autism and mental incapacity, loves to climb.

Her family has been fund-raising for 18 months to get the £2,700 frame, a large structure which can't be bought in toy shops.

Lindsey's mum Maree paid tribute to Cllr Michael Plummer who put on events in Poole Park before the family left their Parkstone home.

Sherborne Lions, Sturmin-ster Newton Rotary Club, TLC in Ferndown and a charitable trust have also helped.

Former nurse Maree and her husband, local government officer Paul, left Parkstone for the quiet of Wessex Avenue with its large garden.

Lindsey, who attends Montacute School, does not speak, makes strange noises and self-harms if left alone.

"We moved for Lindsey's safety," said Maree.

"We were right on the main road and she kept escaping.

"She's a runner and we needed more space for her - we didn't have a garden to speak of."

Since moving one thing has been a lovely surprise - that has been the response of the villagers.

"They have been lovely, very accepting of her - I was really pleased," Maree said.

First published: May 25