A TALENTED director, actor and writer has raised £380 for the Autistic Society.

11-year-old Lewis Powell from Monmouth recruited his friends to perform a self-penned play entitled The Magic of the Ice Mirror.

The play comes after Lewis was recently awarded a Gold Blue Peter badge for his outstanding fundraising and theatrical pursuits.

Lewis’s grandmother Lyn Head, said: “Lewis has been very well supported by everyone.

“He’s decided to do another show in May before he leaves for Hereford. It’s going to be a play about facing your fears.”

The play is attached to Lewis’s first production entitled ‘Into the Book’. The story will follow main character Mia as she meets several characters from fairytales who need to face their fears.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “It’s incredible that Lewis, a young boy of just 11, has written and directed a play to raise money for the National Autistic Society, and we’re so grateful for the donation of £380.

“At the National Autistic Society, we know that better understanding autism is the key to making a world where people on the autism spectrum can live the lives that they choose.

“By creating this play, Lewis has managed to both increase awareness of autism and his donation will allow the charity to provide more support to autistic people and families, whether that goes to supporting our branches, running our helpline or through our direct services in Wales and across the UK.

“We rely on the support of the public so we can continue to support autistic people and their families, and any donation we receive goes toward making a better world for those on the autism spectrum.”

It is anticipated the play will be performed in May. Keep an eye on the Beacon for updates.