YOUNG people who give up their time to look after loved ones have received a surprise gift.

Jack's in Middlewich presented a selection of healthy drinks, snacks and toys to Cheshire Young Carers.

The donation was the supermarket's way of saying thank you to all of the young carers in our community for all of their selfless hard work.

Cheshire Young Carers support young carers across the county in three key areas, school holiday respite programmes, individual & group support where necessary plus working with schools/colleges to provide specialised support where required.

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The gesture marked National Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Darren Preston, store manager of Jack’s on Wheelock Street, said: “National Carers Week is a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness for all unpaid carers.

"The local community is so important to us, from the smallest and youngest members to the elder citizens, and this donation is just a small token of our appreciation.”