A pub in Swindon has been giving people with autism the chance to have some peace and quiet away from busy everyday life.

The Little Hop Inn on Devizes Road has been holding gatherings for people who have Asperger's and neurodivergent adults once every month since February this year.

Pub manager Mel Hughes came up with the idea after she previously worked with people with autistic people in residential and educational settings.

Attendance has grown over the months with many young adults coming along to meet their friends.

Explaining how the idea came about, Ms Hughes said: “I worked in alternative education and Asperger’s care and it occurred to me that there wasn’t anywhere for people to go, it was made specifically as a safe space.

“The first couple we only had a few people come and we had a lot people come with their carers. They are now getting more confident which is nice.

“I think the sunshine has cheered everyone up a bit.”

The next quiet night out takes place on May 16 from 5pm to 10pm, with the pub promising to put on a Hawaiian-style Luau party along with a silent disco.