True number of Shropshire's young carers is revealed

More than 100 children under the age of 10 are acting as carers for parents and other family members in Shropshire, new figures revealed today.

The British Red Cross said there were between 15 and 20 children aged five to seven taking on the demanding role in the home and more than 80 between eight and 10.

The charity has praised the youngsters as unsung heroes.

The young carers are said to play a vital role in providing emotional and practical care to their parents or siblings who are ill, disabled, suffer with mental health difficulties or have alcohol or drug-related issues.

Vanessa Turner, development manager at the British Red Cross Young Carers Project, said there were four youngsters in the county aged just five who provide support at home.

"With the younger children it is mainly emotional support that they offer," she said.

"They seem to be socially isolated and there are issues around school and bullying and they can't undertake the activities that other youngsters do.

"They can't go to the cinema or do other social activities because of their caring duties and that's where we come in and do things every month and offer support."

The project is divided into five areas and offers advice and support for young carers in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry, Market Drayton and Shrewsbury.

"We organise meetings, trips and activities where young people can talk openly about every day issues such as giving medication, without feeling self-conscious as they might do at school," she added.

The project is also running a programme to inform teachers and GPs of the impact on caring for someone when you are under 18.