A MUM has praised Odeon Trowbridge staff after they put on a special screening of a film for her autistic daughter.

Natalie Long visited the cinema with two of her daughters, Indie, four, who has Asperger’s syndrome and Thea, two, and her friend Kayleigh on Monday morning hoping to see Smurfs: The Lost Village.

After looking up times online, they thought the screening was at 10.30am but when they arrived at the cinema in St Stephen’s Place they were told it was not on until 12 noon.

“Indie became very frustrated and got worked up when we were told we had to wait – she finds it difficult when things change after they have been planned,” said Mrs Long, 29, of Yeoman Way, Trowbridge.

“She had been counting down the sleeps until we went to watch it and was so upset.

“We asked staff if we could watch The Boss Baby instead because we didn’t want to wait around or go home, but then to our amazement the manager said they would put on an extra special one-off autism-friendly screening of Smurfs.

“They didn’t have to do that but they went the extra mile and it meant the world to Indie – she absolutely loved the film and we were all so grateful to them for making it happen.”

Mum-of-three Mrs Long, who volunteers as a breast feeding peer supporter, said her four-year-old daughter was so impressed with the Smurfs' antics she decided to dance to the music at the front of the cinema at the end of the film.

Odeon’s act of kindness coincided with World Autism Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of the condition around the world.

Caitlin Swan, ODEON Trowbridge general manager, said: “It was our pleasure to help out and host a special showing of Smurfs: The Lost Village for Indie and her family.

"We were thrilled to hear she had a great time at the cinema and hope she comes back to visit us again soon for one of our regular autism-friendly performances.

"These screenings have only subtle changes to the norm including lights being kept on at a low level, lower than usual sound levels, no trailers or advertisements and an allowance for increased levels of movement and noise.”