CHILDREN as young as five are having to assume the burden of caring for disabled or sick relatives, according to worried charity workers.

Almost 1,500 youngsters are registered with Young Carers projects in the region, but according to Britain's biggest children's charity that is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Children's Society said there were more likely to be about 7,500 young people aged between four and 19 who take on caring responsibilities.

The average age of a young carer is 12, and some may have to look after severely disabled siblings or parents who have mental health, drug or alcohol problems.

It can mean children who can barely look after them-selves have to cook, clean, wash clothes and do the family shopping.

"Young children tell us that, as a result of caring, they are missing school, can't do their homework and they end up falling behind with their education," said Julie McLarnon, of the Children's Society. "When they are expected to do heavy lifting to help out disabled relatives it can have a very physical impact on them."

The number of child carers in the UK had been estimated at about 51,000 in 1996, but that figure is now up to 175,000, after the publication of the census for 2001.

Ailsa Martin, co-ordinator with Sunderland Carers' Centre, said some young carers known to the agency were as young as four.

"We had two sisters below school age from a single parent family who had an older sister who was subject to serious epileptic fits.

"Even though they were very young they both knew that if mum was having a bath and their sister was taken ill they had to tell mum what was happening," said Mrs Martin.

She is aware of another pre-school child who has the job of watching her seriously ill mother.

She said: "Children need to have an opportunity to be children and not be always burdened with adult responsibilities, so we arrange for youngsters to go on holiday breaks."

The Young Carers projects also arrange days out and offer emotional support and practical help for young people.

There are 150 child carers registered in County Durham, 300 in Sunderland, 147 in Gateshead, 82 in Hartlepool, 22 in Derwentside, 63 in Eas-ington, 23 in Middlesbrough, 200 in Newcastle, 124 in South Tyneside and 122 in North Tyneside