A family has pledged a six figure sum to scientists at Edinburgh University to help increase understanding of a little known genetic condition that affects their son.

The money will be used to set up a new research centre to look into Fragile X syndrome - one of the leading causes of inherited learning difficulties and autism.

Gus Alusi and Reem Waines arrived in the capital today to speak to the Edinburgh University team that will be spearheading the new research.

Their five year old son Kenz suffers from Fragile X Syndrome - the most common known cause of inherited learning difficulties and autism, affecting around 15,000 people in the UK.

Until now, the family has had to travel to America for specialist help. But now after a major fund raising effort, the couple have donated a six figure sum to the university to fund research here.

The team will focus on understanding the brain processes that underlie these conditions, with the hope of developing more effective treatment for patients.

The new centre hopes to start the first of its clinical trials in the new year.