A GROUP of young carers had the spotlight turned on them and the key roles they play in the community as they were interviewed on live TV.

The youngsters spoke to BBC presenter and journalist Roger Johnson about what it means to be a carer to a family member hampered by medical conditions as well as the help and support they are given from the Wigan and Leigh Young Carers charity.

The interview at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester was broadcast live as part of the BBC’s Children in Need telethon.

Paul Carroll, project manager at Wigan and Leigh Young Carers, said: “They were so excited to be featured on TV, and from feedback from TV viewers they came across incredibly well, particularly as they didn’t know ahead of time what questions they would be asked by the BBC’s Roger Johnson.

“It was all very positive, and they were amazed how well the BBC looked after them during the evening and felt very important.”

The youngsters met Pudsey Bear and Greater Manchester mayor and former Leigh MP Andy Burnham on the fundraising drive last Friday.

Based at Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link on Church Street in Leigh, Wigan and Leigh Young will receive £90,000 from Children in Need over the next three years.

The money will be used to fund one full-time and four part-time staff as well as 45 volunteers to help identify and support more young carers.

Paul added: “We currently support between 250 and 350 carers each year aged between five and 24.

“As a result of our appearance on TV we signed up an additional three volunteers to help.”

Anyone willing to help the charity as a volunteer should contact Paul on 01942 679352 or via info@walyc.org.uk or Catherine Ellis on 01942 705959 or via catherine@wiganandleighcarerscentre.org.uk.