PARENTS of a boy with a rare neurological condition have built a sensory room and app to support other families.

Alfie Rayner, seven, was diagnosed with Pitt Hopkins syndrome in December 2014.

The gene defect, which affects one in 250,000 people, causes learning difficulties and affects his speech and movement.

His parents Nigel and Vicki Rayner, of Cross Road, Witham, have managed to build him a new sensory bedroom after a year of fundraising.

Mrs Rayner said: "It's built onto the back of the house and it's a lot better- our mission now is to try and raise money so we can have a wet room downstairs.

"He now has his own space and a sensory unit which was £4,000- it's a lot of money."

The downstairs bedroom is also equipped with cameras, as Alfie is of the age where he could start having fits due to his condition.

Mrs Rayner said: "We wanted to make sure we have everything in place.

"It's a lot better for him as if he wants to get away for a bit he can go to his room and calm down.

"It's easier for me as three years ago I broke my ankle trying to carry him up the stairs, when he flaps and throws himself backwards it's a lot of added pressure."

The family held a bingo night, took part in a parachute jump, and put on a pamper afternoon this year.

The events raised enough money for Alfie's room which has an 'under the sea' theme, with fish on the walls and a light creating the ripples of waves.

His parents are also hoping to create a sensory garden for him to play in outside.

Mr Rayner has also helped create an app to help families who have children with the condition.

He said: "It has lots of information and links to Facebook pages and websites, we are doing more to it all the time and it's a great way for anyone who has found out about Pitt Hopkins to learn more.

"It's really easy to use, we worked on it for about four months and it's slowly progressed."

The Pitt Hopkins app is available on app stores for Windows, Android and iPhone.

Visit Alfie Woo Woo's PTHS Fundraising on Facebook.