A RARE pull-along caterpillar is being sought by a church in aid of a young girl with autism. St Mary s Church in Hitchin is appealing on behalf of Antonia who loves her toy caterpillar. Makers Kiddicraft/Mattel stop producing the toy 15 years ago and alt

A RARE pull-along caterpillar is being sought by a church in aid of a young girl with autism.

St Mary's Church in Hitchin is appealing on behalf of Antonia who loves her toy caterpillar.

Makers Kiddicraft/Mattel stop producing the toy 15 years ago and although they gave Antonia's mother a box of two dozen caterpillars these have broken over the years and only two have survived but are in danger of falling apart.

The church is appealing to anyone who may have this particular toy

The vicar of St Mary's, the Rev Michael Roden, said: "Every parent knows that moment when a child is separated from their favourite toy. This is many times worse.

"If anyone should happen to have one please hand it in and we will get them to the girl."

The condition of the toy is unimportant as Antonia's parents can use them to patch up other caterpillars.