A YOUNG Hullavington man who became an inspiration to autism sufferers has been handpicked to join the steering group of a new national charity set up by Iraq hero Phil Packer.

Luke Dicker, one of Rotary International’s current Young Citizens of the Year went to Downing Street on Thursday for the launch of the British Inspiration Trust when Maj Packer chose him to be one of 18 charity representatives.

He phoned his delighted mum Jan after meeting Prime Minister David Cameron.

She said: "Luke is the nominated representative for the National Autistic Society and, aged 18years, considers it a huge honour to take on the responsibility of being a voice for young autistic adults, whose disability is invisible and often misunderstood too."

Maj Packer lost the use of his legs in Iraq, but managed to regain enough movement to walk the London Marathon.

He formed the trust with the idea of building a centre of excellence that will allow people aged 18 to 25 who face disability, injury, illness or deprivation, to make the most of their lives.

It has won the backing of entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and Paralympian gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

The website britinspiration.com has more information.