YOUNG carers in Colchester are set to benefit from a £42,000 charity grant.

Action Family Carers, which supports carers aged between 14 to 25 in Colchester and Maldon, is among the first groups to be awarded funding from The Co-operative’s Group Carers Trust.

James Clarke, chief executive of Action for Family Carers, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the support from Carers Trust, and for the enthusiasm and support shown by staff, members and customers of The Co-operative.

“There are 146,000 unpaid carers in Essex, most don’t think of themselves as carers or realise the range of services available to help them.

“Thanks to this grant programme, we can continue to enhance and develop the support and services that these young people need and deserve.”