Two young carers living in the South Lakes area received special gifts left week for their dedication to their families.

Andrew Jackson, 17 and Kyle Pennington, nine, both help care for their siblings, with both of them also happening to be Liverpool FC fans.

At a special presentation in Kendal, the boys were gifted with two shirts signed by the 2022/2023 season side thanks to the Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons.

Andrew, who helps care for his 14-year-old sister, Emma, said: “I am a big Liverpool fan, and this is a very special gift to receive.

“I have just passed my driving test, so I am looking forward to being able to take my sister out more.”

Kyle helps care for his brother Jayden, seven, who has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), with Kyle also under assessment for autism.

Both brothers come from a family of life long Liverpool fans, with grandparents from Merseyside, and the boys also got to have a tour of Liverpool’s home ground, Anfield, the same week as the shirt presentation.

Chris Gray and Peter Graveson from the Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons handed the special gifts to the boys at Carer Support South Lakes' offices on Beezon Road.

Business Development Manager at Carer Support, Cheryl Duckworth, commented: “We are very grateful to the Freemasons for these gifts, which our young carers have received.

"It is so good to recognise the work caring young people in our community are doing.”

Nicola Edmondson, a young carer support practitioner, explained that Andrew and Kyle are just two examples of the numerous kids and teenagers doing their part in Cumbria.

"There are more than 8,000 people under 18 years old in Cumbria who are providing unpaid care for a family member or friend," she added.

“We can provide a wide range of support to our Young Carers aged between 5 -18 years, which may include one-to-one support to help with their schooling, further education or family support."

The charity also supports young adult carers aged between 18 and 24.

To find out more about the services and support for young carers locally, visit www.carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk.