YOUNG carers have been awarded £42,000.
The Northern Rock Foundation awarded the cash to Derwentside Young Carers, which is based in Stanley.
The group offers support and advice to youngsters who are caring for sick and disabled relatives.
Derwentside Young Carers is part of the Barnado's charity, and most youngsters helped by the group are aged between 11 and 13, a younger age group than the national average.
Barnado's worker Emma Stillwell said: "Young carers miss out on schooling and career opportunities, with 71 per cent having been bullied because their home life is different.
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