YOUNG Carers from Devon were taken on a very special Santa Cruise as guests of the Rotary Clubs of Tavistock and Okehampton this month.

The youngsters from Devon Young Carers cruised in the estuary of the River Exe, along with Santa Claus and young carer workers Charlie Cruise and Jessica Lacey.

The young carers were accompanied by Tavistock Rotary president Tony Everitt, Rotarian John Morton and his wife Judy and Okehampton Rotarian Maddy Carragher.

Working together, the clubs sponsored these deserving young people to go on a Santa Cruise where they enjoyed face painting, balloon modelling and most importantly a gift from Father Christmas.

John Morton said: 'Just spending time with the young carers emphasises what special people they are and why we need to support these most deserving youngsters.'

In 2001 there were an estimated 175,000 young carers in the UK, with around a third caring for a person with a mental illness.

It is said that around a third of young carers are involved in inappropriate and excessive caring with consequent knock-on effects on schooling and other key areas of their lives.

Devon Young Carers has a specialist team which works with young carers, addressing the needs of young people providing care and support to other family members, primarily a parent or sibling.

Young carers are put in a position of great responsibility at a very young age; dealing with situations that many adults would find a challenge.

These children and young people have to cope in difficult circumstances, often not only looking after their relative but also helping to bring up siblings and run a household.

The Rotary Clubs expressed thanks to the Tavistock and Okehampton communities for their generosity when collections are made that enable them to make these most worthwhile events possible.

For more information about Devon Young Carers, contact 08456 43443.