A GENEROUS businessman has funded a special facility that aims to help autistic children in the New Forest.

Financier Matthew Law-rence has donated £11,685 to provide a sensory integration room at Ashurst Hospi-tal, where youngsters undergo occupational therapy.

Mr Lawrence, 41, of Poole, said: "I have been very fortunate in my private and business life and wanted to put something back.

"I decided to use some of the money from my businesses' success to provide something that would benefit a lot of people over a long period.''

Mr Lawrence said a family friend, Rosie Hills, agreed to track down a worthy cause.

He added: "She went to Ashurst and asked them what they needed. I was very impressed when I saw how dedicated the staff are.''

The hospital helps children whose brain lacks the special filter mechanism that enables other youngsters to make sense of what they see and hear.

Equipment in the sensory integration room aims to ensure their brain pulls together all the data it receives and uses the information effectively.

Mr Lawrence opened the new facility by cutting a ribbon on a special swing suspended from the ceiling.

Pauline Arrow, chairman of Southampton City Council Primary Care Trust, said: "We're extremely grateful to Mr Lawrence for making a very generous donation.

We have waited for this room for a very long time. It's very much needed and will be incredibly well used.''

Debbie Webber, children's occupational therapy manager, said: "We very rarely get a donation as big as this one and it really means a lot.''

A primary care trust spokesman said sensory integration aimed to help children who found it difficult to play, learn and interact with their peers.

He added: "There are at least ten per cent of children with these difficulties in each mainstream school.''