Two mums who are trying to set up a free school for children diagnosed with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome, have had their work recognised.

Donna Smith-Emes, 41, of Park Road, Sittingbourne, and her friend Sarah Aldridge, 40, of Gaze Hill Avenue, Sittingbourne, want to set up the facility in the Swale area.

It will be aimed at youngsters, aged four to 16, with the hope of extending it to 19-year-olds at a later date, and will cater for those with and without a statement of special educational needs.

There is currently only one place which serves children from the borough – Laleham Gap School which is based over two sites in Broadstairs and Margate.

Due to the locations, it means students have up to an hour’s journey before they even set foot in the classroom.

To help them realise their dreams, the pair, who both have children with autism, are working with a group of about 14 people.

This consists of parents, a former deputy head, teachers, teaching assistants and a school bursar as well as a special educational needs co-ordinator, occupational and speech and language therapists.

They plan to submit an application to the Department for Education in May. If approved, it’s hoped the school could be up and running by September 2015.

The cost to get it off the ground is not yet known as it’s unclear whether it will be a new build or set up at an existing property.

In honour of what they are trying to achieve, they were presented with an award for good practice by the Kent Parent Carer Forum last Tuesday after they were nominated by Krista Walker.

The 34-year-old married mum-of-one is a member of the support group Friends of Aspire which has nearly 200 members.

She said: “I have experienced first hand the hard work they are doing applying to set up the school and the hope it is giving to local parents.”

Mrs Aldridge said: “Donna and I were pleased to receive the award, although a little embarrassed. It was very kind and it makes it all worth while. If we can make a difference and help others, that’s what it’s all about.”