Suffolk Police and Manchetts help disabled boy Brad Aldous' dreams come true on his birthday

Police teamed up with a family-run automotive shop to make an autistic boy's dreams come true last weekend.

Suffolk Police and Manchetts set up a demonstration for Brad Aldous, 11, from Somersham, at the firm's recovery yard in Ingham on Sunday.

Brad and two of his friends, Austyn and Sebastian, toured recovery trucks and police cars, interacted with police dogs, and even saw vehicle lights in action - all before he was gifted a bespoke bike and a teddy bear.

Brad, who has autism, had always wanted to ride a bike, but struggles due to his condition.

The bike, a BMX for young adults, was custom-fitted with large stabilisers to help him learn to ride.

The event was organised by family friends, one of whom was Manchetts worker, Greg McNair.

Greg, 45, who was raised in Bury St Edmunds, also has autism, and was asked by the family to take Brad out to help him overcome his social anxiety.

Shortly after his birthday in August, he took Brad out for a drive, before liaising with Suffolk Police.

He said: "It was hoped I'd be able to help make Brad more comfortable around other people due to us being two peas in a pod, and the event spiralled from there.

"I have friends in Suffolk traffic police, who quickly decided we should put together something for the boys.

"My boss, Sean Manchett, who has a heart of gold and is always getting involved in events for under-privileged kids, was on board straight away and gave us his blessing to use the recovery yard."

Greg fitted the bike himself at his workshop, which he uses for his other job, running a vehicle body shop.

Everyone chipped in to buy it, and it was gifted to him as part of a presentation on how recovery trucks operate - strapped to the back of the truck.

They also all signed a birthday card.

Greg added: "We could tell he was buzzing on the inside when we unveiled the bike.

"Once we gave it to him, we couldn't get him off - he loved it. We got cones out and set up a little course in the yard, the boys cycled around it, and the police tested the speed guns on them. It was so nice to see.

"The bike will allow him to hang out with his siblings or friends at the weekends, like all children want to."

Brad's mother, Lyndsay Terry, was over the moon with the day's events.

She noted she was nearly brought to tears by the kindness of both Greg and the police.

Due to his autism, Brad struggles to interact with others, often becoming uncomfortable with change, which has led to his parents struggling to keep in him schools.

Lyndsay feels that him interacting with the police and Greg will have a positive effect on him.

She added: "Everyone wanted to make the day special - and I think they went above and beyond.

"I think meeting the police was a very good thing for Brad, and may make him more comfortable around new people.

"More importantly, it will also help him understand that he can go to the police for help."

Brad loved everything about the day, and was happy with how much effort the team put into celebrating his birthday.

He enjoyed looking at the cars and trucks, and was particularly impressed with his bike.

Brad added: "I liked meeting the police dogs - I want one as a pet. I think I'd like to be police officer when I'm older."