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A Scottish loyalist flute band have raised funds for autistic Celtic supporter to partake in the Special Olympics.

Ronan Cusack is a keen swimmer and needed £500 to fund his trip to compete in the Special Olympics next year.

Ronan's mother, Katie Cusack told Radio Ulster: "It's the most tremendous and heartwarming gesture, it's totally brilliant that this band is willing to help my son.

"I've known these guys for years. I'm friendly with them and I wasn't surprised that they came to my door to support Ronan. These guys have come to me to help my son and I'm very, very proud of them."

Member of the loyalist flute band, Jim Scott said: "We've got a tight-knit community up here. It's mixed religion but we don't have a problem.

"Hailing from Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Ronan is well known in his community.

"We are a loyalist flute band, but we're human. Ronan's a great lad, it was a no-brainer to join in and to help.

"It was my son who first said to me that Ronan was going to swim but he's going to need to raise £500, he wondered if the band could do something and I said I don't think that'll be a problem.

"We're shocked at the publicity it's received recently. We hadn't done it for that reason. We're really pleased we've got that publicity too."

With the help of the County band, Ronan Cusack will compete in August next year.