A charity album has been released to raise awareness of autism.

Called Autism Album, it is believed to be the first in the UK and has been released ahead of Romford’s Autism Sunday service on Sunday February 10.

Ivan Corea, the founder of the UK Autism Foundation, who compiled the album said: “I don’t think anyone in the UK has ever released an autism album so it is nice to do something ground breaking and I think it is a good way of raising awareness.”

The album features music from Scott James, who was a finalist on 2009’s X Factor, the Frances Bardsley Schoool choir and music from gospel singer Helen Yousuf.

Ivan, who is a teacher at Frances Bardsley School has already received praise about the album from Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge and Members of Parliament.

He said: “The album appeals to everyone because it has a mix of pop and classical music.

“Living with a child with autiism is a full time job and if the ablum helps to raise awareness of the disorder then that is good.”

This year’s autism service is set to take place at St Alban’s Church in King’s Road, Romford and will include a performance from Scott James.

Anne Myatt, the CEO of Romford Autistic Support Group will also be attending along with students from Francis Bardsley School.

Ivan set up the UK Autism Foundation in 2000 with his wife Charika after they were inspired by their 17-year-old son Charin.

Two years later the couple started Autism Sunday, the first international autism event to raise awareness of the condition.

After 12 years, Ivan and Charika have both decided to step down from the charity, but Ivan says that he will continue to organise the Autism Sunday events.

He said: “It was a hard decision and I think that there still needs to be a lot more awareness of autism in society, but we both feel that we need to spend more time with our son.

“We think that we have taken the charity as far as we can and other members of the charity will take the work on.”