PARENTS of an autistic boy are hoping Hercules the puppy will give them the strength to lead a fuller life.

For yellow labrador Hercules is no ordinary dog. He is to be supplied by charity Service Dogs Europe-UK to help six-year-old Reece Eatock-Hogg from West Lavington stay safe.

But the family must raise £6,600 to help pay for the dog and its training.

Reece was diagnosed when he was two with autism and another condition called lax joints which makes it difficult for him to walk long distances. But this does not stop him sometimes trying to run away.

His mum Megan Eatock, 29, of White Street, said: "We are hoping the dog will make a real difference to all of our lives. Hercules is only a puppy at the moment but he will be trained to be with Reece all the time and to make sure he is safe. Reece can be very unpredictable and has been known to try and run off."

The charity explained that its dogs are specially trained to work with autism sufferers of all ages. A spokesman said: "Our highly skilled Autism Service Dogs offer families thr?? key advantages – safety, comfort ?nd inclusion. Th?? ?? achieved b? providing ? fully trained dog ?nd providing training ?nd support t? th? parents ?nd their son ?r daughter. "Safety ?? enhanced ?n outings b? the child b??ng connected t? th? dog thr?ugh ? belt ?r?und th? waist.

"They can roam freely, but ?h?uld th?? attempt t? bolt ?r wander off, th? dog w?ll b? trained t? sit ?r lie d?wn ?nd act ?? ?n anchor. Th?? g?v?? parents time t? intervene ?nd deal w?th th? situation.

"Th? dog w?ll b? trained t? stop ?t kerbs ?nd stairs ?nd responds t? ? parent’s vocal commands."

Reece, who goes to Exeter House special school in Salisbury, has little speech and often becomes frustrated. His parents hope Hercules will also help him to stay calm.

His dad former soldier Reg Hogg is still recovering from a car accident last August. He sustained serious injuries and was in hospital for several weeks.

Ms Eatock-Hogg said: "It means that Reg has to walk with a stick and if he is looking after Reece it can be difficult for him to catch up with him if he suddenly decides to run off. Having the dog will make a huge difference to all of our lives."

She has made her appeal for help to co-incide with autism awareness day which is today. (April 2) She said friends have offered to help with fundraising and she hopes others will go to Reece's fundraising page at http://www.letsgofundraise-uk.com/fundraiser_detail.php?fundid=131#sthash.LEW09s6q.gbpl