HERCULES the Labrador puppy might not yet quite live up to his name but he is already proving a tower of strength for an autistic boy and his family.

The three-month-old dog has just moved into the West Lavington home of Reece Eatock-Hogg, six, and will eventually be his fully trained helper.

Reece's mum Megan Eatock, 29, of White Street said: "They are already inseparable. Reece absolutely adores him but at this stage Hercules isn't trained and is very full of life so it can be a bit chaotic."

The puppy will spend this year getting used to the family and learning basic obedience before it goes off for an intensive eight week course with the charity Service Dogs Europe-UK.

But the family is not sure how it will raise the £6,000 to pay for the dog and its training. Mrs Eatock said: "We have paid the first instalment but I am not quite sure how we will raise the rest. If it comes to it we will have to get a loan."

The family's finances have been affected as Reece's dad former soldier Reg Hogg is still recovering from a car accident. He sustained serious injuries in the crash last August and was in hospital for several weeks.

Reece was diagnosed when he was two with autism and another condition called lax joints which makes it difficult for him to walk long distances. But this does not stop him sometimes trying to run away.

Ms Eatock said: "We are hoping the dog will make a real difference to all of our lives once he is trained but he is already part of the family. Reece can be very unpredictable and has been known to try and run off. Reg's injuries means he has to walk with a stick and if he is looking after Reece it can be difficult for him to catch up with him if he suddenly decides to run off."

Reece, who goes to Exeter House special school in Salisbury, has little speech and often becomes frustrated. His parents hope Hercules will also help him to stay calm.

Once trained, autism service dogs are attached to children with a harness. If the youngster tries to run off the dog will sit or lie down so a parent has the chance to intervene.

The dogs are also trained to stop at kerbs and stairs and respond to parents' vocal commands.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to the family's fundraising initiative should go to http://www.letsgofundraise-uk.com/fundraiser_detail.php?fundid=131#sthash.LEW09s6q.gbpl