Ely rockers The 142s have received the backing of pop music icons UB40 in their bid to raise awareness about autism.

The 142s have been hard at work with their Autism Rocks Roadshow throughout April in support of Autism Awareness Month and they have raised hundreds of pounds for charity through a series of concerts.

On Monday night, the group, made up of Bernie Sawford, Andy Barlow and Drew Keen, was invited to the Cambridge Corn Exchange to watch UB40 play before being heading backstage after the show.

There, UB40 members helped film a short video backing The 142s awareness campaign and giving the group their blessing.

Bass guitarist Bernie said: “I am over the moon, UB40 were awesome. We were delighted to be given the chance to do the video and now we can use the band’s name wherever we go to promote our campaign and the roadshow.

“Autism Awareness Month ends this month but, with UB40’s backing, we can keep it going all year round. They are going to post the video on their website and Facebook page which will help us reach an audience of more than a million.”

Bernie was inspired to raise awareness of autism through his work as a cab driver, where he met 11-year-old Gideon Wells, from Soham, who has the condition.

To find out more about the 142’s work, visit www.theautismrocksroadshow.com