More than 1,300 children are caring for loved ones in city

Families are often reluctant to tell council

- Phil Corrigan

MORE than 1,300 children in Stoke-on-Trent act as carers for family members, new figures show.

Councils have a legal duty to identify and support young carers, defined as people under 18 who provide care, including practical or emotional support, to others.

But managers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council say the authority is better than most at identifying young carers, meaning more are receiving support in the Potteries compared to other places.

According to a new report, there are 1,328 identified young carers in Stoke-on-Trent, with the young carers service on course to receive a record number of referrals this year.

Young carers, who may be looking after a parent or sibling, are typically referred by a professional who works with children, such as a teacher.