Young carers from around the Diss area were given the chance to enjoy and relax with friends at a fun day.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Diss and District and was funded with money which had been raised by the local community.

The day was attended 15 youngsters, aged six to 18, who are supported by the Benjamin Foundation - a charity set up to support young people and their families.

Held on farmland owned by past Rotary club president Dick Mitchell, the youngsters were given lessons in making balloon animals by Crazy Bananas and musical entertainment was provided by Park Radio.

The 1st Eye Scout Group made tea in a Billy can and built a swing for the young carers to enjoy.

Heather Babb, president of the Rotary Club of Diss and District, said: 'It is a day for them to have a break from caring. It is nice to see them have fun.

'I would like to think we would raise some more money and do it again.'

The young carers also played rounders and football and were treated to a barbecue with meat donated by Crown Chicken and C and K Meats.

Bev Townsend, positive activity manager at the Benjamin Foundation, said: 'We do not get any funding over the holidays. We do hold activities but we really rely on fundraising to do it.

'The Rotary club has kindly put this on for us. It is a nice opportunity to see each other.'

The Benjamin Foundation was founded in 1994 and exists to help people in the region deal with many of the challenges that life throws at them; whether everyday issues such as childcare or heartbreaking problems like abuse and homelessness.

For more information on the work of the charity visit benjaminfoundation.co.uk/home

During Mr Mitchell's year as president the Rotary club for Diss raised £23,000, which was used to fund good causes both locally and internationally.

As previously reported in the Mercury Mr Mitchell and his wife Jenny have been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, which is given to individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set by the founder of Rotary International, Paul Harris.

Have you got a story for the Mercury to report on or are organising a charity event in our region you want to promote? Contact Mercury editor Anthony Carroll by emailing anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk or by calling 01379 651153.