YOUNGSTERS who care for family members enjoyed learning circus skills before they showed them off to fellow pupils.

Cleves Cross Primary School, in Ferryhill, hosted the Circus Sensible group for a fun day.

The event was a thank you for pupils at several schools in the Ferryhill area who combine studies with looking after elderly or poorly family members.

Young carers from Cleves Cross, Broom Cottages and Ferryhill Station primary schools, in Ferryhill, took part.

They were joined by fellow carers from Chilton Primary School and Rosa Street Primary School, in Spennymoor.

The circus workshops were funded by a £1,500 grant from The Bridge Young Carers group.

Alsion Lazenby, headteacher of Cleves Cross, said: “The funding allowed us the opportunity to have a celebration of the carers.

“Students aged between six and ten-years were able to take part in the workshops themselves and then they took part in a show to fellow pupils.

“The children absolutely loved learning circus skills and they have been buzzing all day.

“The carers involved could be helping the family look after an elderly relative or they have a sibling in need of care.

“Each of the schools which took part has got a Young Person’s Charter which helps cover things such as youngsters been late into school due to their caring work.”

Teachers and staff from Rosa Street were also present to be presented with the school’s Young Person’s Charter.

Helen Nicolson, assistant headteacher of Rosa Street, said: “We are pleased to have got this award and we’re taking steps to help carers who come to the school.”