The heroic efforts of young carers have been celebrated at a countywide awards evening.

The Young Heroes Celebration Event, organised by the Warwickshire Young Carers' Project and supported by Warwickshire County Council and Barclays, paid tribute to the hard work and sacrifice made by youngsters across the county who care for a loved one.

The event, which was held at North Leamington School, gave young people the opportunity to receive recognition for their achievements over the last year and to join with the rest of Warwickshire in celebrating the continuing success of The Young Carers' Project. Guests enjoyed an awards ceremony and entertainment, followed by a disco into the evening.

Keely Tye, 18, of Nuneaton, was one of the recipients of the Outstanding Contribution Award for the role she has played in helping other young carers.

Another star of the show was 11-year-old Jake Prior from Rugby, who wowed the audience with his a cappella performance of Adele's 'Someone Like You'. Jake has been a member of the Young Carers' project for three years and helps care for his brother who has cerebral palsy.

Young carers were recognised for their achievements through the Children's University, the Army Insight Course and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Warwickshire schools, including North Leamington and Kineton were also recognised for the way they support students who have caring responsibilities. Many other carers received their Cyber Mentoring and First Aid Awards on the night: more than one hundred young carers from the project are St John's Ambulance First Aid trained.

Anthony Bishop, Manager of the Warwickshire Young Carers' Project, said: "Young carers give so much of their time to others, it's important they enjoy time that's completely aimed at them. The Young Heroes Event is about celebrating all young carers as well as giving awards for individual achievements."

Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe attended the event and said the young people do an incredible job: "To be with such an inspirational and talented group of young people has been a tremendous honour. Young carers make a valuable contribution to their families and society as a whole and yet they take their own role for granted because they do it out of love. It is vitally important that we recognise young carers in this way."

The Young Carers' Project supports more than 800 young people across Warwickshire, however, the organisation says there are many more 'hidden' young carers who aren't aware of their role or the support available. The group organises informal and fun activities as well as one-to-one emotional support if it is needed. The group also runs workshops where youngsters can learn new skills.

For more information on the support available to young carers visit: www.warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers. You can also call us on 01926 485486.