CHILD carers from Teesside have taken their concerns to the top.

Five youngsters who care for disabled parents in Middlesbrough met representatives of the three major political parties at the Houses of Parliament, in London, yesterday. They joined 20 other child carers from across the country.

A spokesman for The Children's Society said: "The Children's Society has got together with the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Disabled Parents Network in calling on the Government, to provide whole family assessments when looking at care needs." He said the needs of disabled parents and their carer children were presently assessed independently.

"The Government needs to take notice and assess the whole situation by providing a proper service for both children and parents," he said.

Dorset MP Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat spokeswoman for children and young people, has tabled an early day motion calling for an improved assessment service.