PUPILS at an Isle of Wight school are set to become 'big steppers' ­— walking 10,000 steps to raise autism awareness and funds for vital projects.

Cowes Primary School is taking part in the Walk for Autism UK and Ireland challenge ­— to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day.

The event, organised by Autism Initiatives Group, will see pupils get active, become autism aware and raise money.

Walk for Autism is a national challenge with two aspects ­— a school’s challenge and a challenge for members of the public.

It aims to create the best opportunities for autistic people to engage, participate and thrive in the world around them.

Members of the public who wish to walk the Walk for Autism can step up to the challenge by walking 10,000 steps a day for eight days ­— raising money that will help change lives for the better.

To sign up, go to www.walkforautism.co.uk

Entries close on Saturday, March 21.

Entrants can start their challenge on Thursday, March 26.