Devon's Calvert Trust will be lauching a new support service to benefit more than 2,000 young carers in the area.

The Devon Young Carers service has received a £300,000 grant from the county council, and expects to offer a range of services and social events over the next two years.

It was established by four different charities concerned with the difficult position of those caring for family members at a young age. Some children are often responsible for caring for younger or vulnerable siblings, or have to take care of a parent and help run the household.

The service will operate out of the Calvert Trust building in Exmoor and has created several social care jobs specifically aimed at assisting these young people. Unlike working for a council or local authority, the charitable service will be able to offer universal support across the county to supplement existing services.

These positions will offer mentoring; run drop-sessions and clubs; work with schools to increase support; offer advice and put people in touch with other supporting services.

Julia Lock, Devon Young Carers Manager, said: "This funding will enable the four charities to work together more efficiently in order to deliver a robust and effective service. This project can only be of benefit to the 2,000 plus young carers across Devon. Until recently the had a patchy response to their needs, and one which was dependent on where they lived".