THE parents of an autistic boy have taken him out of school after a battle with the county council.

Mark and Heidi Welstead, of Maldon Way, Clacton, discovered that son Jordan, six, had the condition two years ago.

He has since started his education at the mainstream Ravenscroft Primary School in Clacton, but his father says his son needs to be in a special school.

Mr and Mrs Welstead have asked the county council to place their son in Market Field special school, Elmstead Market, but their request was turned down.

"They've said he can go to Shorefields in Clacton, but we don't want him to go there," said Mr Welstead.

"I think he'd feel isolated because they don't have that many autistic pupils."

A spokesman for Essex County Council said Jordan would be well looked after at the Clacton school.

"Shorefields is the right placement for children with more severe learning difficulties, including autism."