A BOY of nine spoke about what it is like being a young carer when he addressed an assembly at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls.

Luke Mallion, who looks after his disabled mother Bernie, told pupils and staff about his life to help raise awareness of what young carers have to do.

Pupils at the school have chosen to support a Young Carers' Project run by Maidstone Crossroads, a charity that supports carers, during their annual Rag Week.

Luke was joined by Ruth Archer, 17, a house captain at the school and a volunteer who helps run the project, in talking about the role of carers.

Maidstone Crossroad Young Carers' Project was set up in September to help give young carers in the Maidstone area a break from their caring responsibilities. It is totally funded from non-statutory resources.

As well as running a club at Shepway Community Centre on Monday evenings, volunteers take the children out every fourth week.

Alf Archer, manager of Maidstone Crossroads, said: "Luke spoke really well and was really quite marvellous."

As well as supporting the Young Carers' Project, girls at the school are also supporting Cancer Research UK during this year's Rag Week which starts next Monday.