SIX-YEAR-OLD Alex Roach-Hiscox, who suffers from autism, is reaching for the stars after his love of astronomy has been boosted by donations from around the country.

Alex of Ryeleaze, Potterne, near Devizes became fascinated by the planets after watching videos on children's YouTube and within a few months gained knowledge way beyond that of most infant school children.

His mum Teegan Roach and step dad Robert Scott read as much as they could to keep up with his thirst for information but eventually they decided they needed help.

So Ms Roach took to social media to ask for help from astronomy experts and her please were answered by Pete Glastonbury from the Wiltshire Astronomical Society.

This week Mr Glastonbury, who lives in Devizes, went to Alex's home with a giant telescope and boxes of magazines and DVDs that had been donated by fellow astronomy lovers from across the UK.

Mr Glastonbury said: "I put it out on a Facebook group and had a fantastic response from all over. A guy in Scotland sent a load of DVDs. I have given him a telescope that I no longer need as I have a new one. I will be happy to keep in touch and help Alex as much as I can. His knowledge for a six-year-old is impressive."

Ms Roach, 44, said Alex is doing well at Southbroom Infants School, Devizes but his new love of astronomy and thirst for knowledge had helped his reading.

She said: "He was diagnosed with autism after going to the Opportunity Centre in Devizes as I was worried about his development. He finds some things at school difficult and has one to one help but they are brilliant with him.

"He became interested in astronomy last summer and now we just can't keep up with him. His reading has improved and he seems to love really long words. We are so grateful to Pete and everyone else who is helping Alex."

On Tuesday when Mr Glastonbury was at his house Alex was full of questions about eclipses and movement of the planets. He was disappointed that the overcast weather meant he could not immediately put his telescope to immediate use in the garden.

Mr Scott said he was hoping to be able to put a shed with a retractable roof in the garden to house the telescope so they could make the most of clear nights.