Dozens of children who care for sick and disabled family members are to receive a boost from a £10,000 grant.

The large donation to the Norfolk Carers Support charity was provided by the Norfolk Freemasons which came through The Masonic Charitable Foundation - funded by Freemasons from across England and Wales.

It will allow Norfolk Carers Support to continue with its young carers project.

Catherine Bibb, from Norfolk Carers Support, said: 'We are very grateful for this generous grant from Norfolk Freemasons.

'The grant will allow our young carers project to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young carers in Norfolk, supporting them to develop healthy coping strategies, achieve their goals and reducing inappropriate or excessive caring.'

Stephen Allen, head of Norfolk Freemasons, said: 'We are very pleased to be able to help Norfolk Carers Support. The work they do is hugely important and can make an enormous difference to the lives of these vulnerable children.'

There are an estimated 10,000 young carers in Norfolk.

The charity's young carers project gives the dedicated children and young people regular free time away from their caring roles and the chance to meet other young people in similar situations.

As well as having fun, it is an opportunity to receive emotional support and a range of practical advice and assistance from specialist staff.

It holds two separate groups for youngsters aged 6-12 and 12-16, which meet for two hours every fortnight.

The project also organises nine activity day trips and two residential trips every year.

Norfolk Carers Support is a charity which has been providing support to unpaid carers in Norfolk for 20 years.

Being a young carer can be a lonely and confusing role for a child, and is often hidden as children do not wish to be seen as being different, or do not recognise themselves as young carers.

Young carers also miss many of the opportunities of a normal childhood and often struggle academically, according to the support charity.

For young carer advice visit www.norfolkcarerssupport.org/