GAMES INDUSTRY BACK CHRYSALIS SCHOOL FOR AUTISM WITH £10,000 DONATION

Friday 18th May/...The Entertainment Software Charity, the charitable foundation of the UK games entertainment industry, today donated £10,000 to the Chrysalis School for Autism in Codicote, Hertfordshire.

The school was founded by Laura Dyer and is funded through private donations and grants. The presentation was made on behalf of the Entertainment Software Charity by Lee Dixon, the former Arsenal and England footballer, who made 621 appearances for Arsenal winning four league titles in the process. Dixon is a local Hertfordshire resident and was keen to get involved with the cheque presentation, after he heard about the work the school does from games industry and entertainment specialist agency, Barrington Harvey.

Dixon said: "The work the school is doing is inspirational and a great help to many people. I was only to happy to help and congratulate the Entertainment Software Charity for its generous donation to Chrysalis."

Founder, Laura Dyer said: "We are delighted to receive such a substantial donation from the Entertainment Software Charity. An enormous thanks to everyone in the UK computer and video games industry for the work they have done in helping make this possible. It will help significantly towards the next stage of our plans for the school."

A spokesperson for the ESC said: "The ESC is delighted to be able to help with its fund raising as it reflects the values of its work, which is to provide monies to children less fortunate than others."

About the ESC:

Founded in 2000, the Entertainment Software Charity was created to use the popularity of gaming to help give back to those less fortunate. The not-for-profit charity was established by prominent members of the gaming community to create a dedicated initiative programme to advance young people through play, training and education.

The entertainment software charity works with hardware vendors, developers, software publishers, magazine publishers, retailers, distributors and logistics providers, all of whom give their time, input, resources and intellectual properties to help support charities committed to improving the future of young people. The charity is also committed to providing funding for individual schools across the UK in association with the Government's Specialist Schools and Academies initiatives and has pledged £1.5m to build a new Academy in Paddington, London

About Chrysalis School

The Chrysalis School offers special education and life-skills training for autistic children aged between four and 12. By providing a safe, nurturing environment the school allows pupils, staff and parents to work together within the framework of the National Curriculum, to help each child realise their full potential.

For further information please contact:

Kathryn Humphrey

Barrington Harvey

Tel +44 (0) 1462 456780

Laura Dyer

Chrysalis School

Tel: +44 (0)1438 714408

http://www.chrysalisschool.org ;