This is the heartwarming moment a non-verbal autistic child connected with a close family friend and "came out of his shell" for the first time."

Glen Edwards, 23, was looking after his best friend's son Alfie, four, when he captured the moment the non-verbal boy began to speak.

Alfie's mum Daniella O'Gonnel, 25, is a single parent and rarely gets time to herself.

So when Glen offered to watch Alfie while she met a friend for a drink, she gratefully accepted.

That evening, for the first time, Alfie spoke unprompted and with conviction surprising Glen and later moving Daniella to tears.

Over the past six months, Glen has been spending more time with Daniella and Alfie, building a close bond that helped Alfie feel safe and comfortable.

Daniella, from West Sussex, said: "I honestly cried when I saw the video."

"I was so happy and I just felt me and my baby are safe."

"Alfie will identify things when prompted, but not always and he was willingly doing it with Glen."

"As a single mum, it's very rare that I get to spend time without Alfie."

"But when Glen heard that a friend invited me out for a drink he encouraged me to go."

"I felt lucky to know Alfie would be safe and well cared for."