UNLOVED old mobile phones could help a mute five-year-old communicate with his family.

The brother of CJ Walsh - who is autistic and was born with a hole in his heart - has made a plea for people to donate old handsets to help his sibling.

Alan Walsh, who lives near Greenwich Train station, needs 165 mobiles to get his brother a much-needed iPad under a scheme run by autism charity Hearts and Minds.

CJ currently brings objects to his family to ask for anything he wants and an iPad would help him communicate more easily as well as developing new skills.

Mr Walsh, 20, said: "CJ enjoys watching films on his dad’s phone, and using the computer at school. I’ve heard wonderful things about autistic children progressing incredibly well thanks to iPads, and I’d love for CJ to be given that opportunity.

"I’d like to encourage anyone who may have old or unwanted mobiles lying around at home to get in contact and help transform someone’s life."

To donate an unwanted mobile email Alan at walshy2468@gmail.com

To learn more about Hearts and Minds visit heartsandmindschallenge.org