YOUNG carers have been putting their hearts and souls into fundraising to keep their club going.

The Halstead Young Carers Club run by Crossroads Care meets on Tuesday evenings.

They get funding from Essex County Council, but have relied heavily on cash boosts from other organisations.

They 30 young carers based in the resource centre in Parsonage Street have been on a mission to keep their vital service up and running.

Parents have chipped in too, with one father raising £600 by cycling from London to Paris- the money was used to take the carers on a trip to Rollerworld.

Barbara Kulik, project manager, said: "It's very important- some of the young carers are going to Pleasurewood Hills in August, two of them said they have never been to a theme park before.

"You'd be surprised with what they have to deal with, whether it's someone with a learning disability or cancer, they just carry on.

"They may have school or other people to care for but they just get on with it."

The carers have raised enough money to go to the Harry Potter Studios in October.

Money has also come from the Halstead Rotary Club, which Barbara said have been "fantastic".

She said: "The kids absolutely love the centre- it's important for them to have time to themselves when they can offload.

"Some feel they don't make good friendships at school but it's a different kind of friendship here as they all have something in common.

"We are in a comfortable position but we still look for funding as it never stops, the children put their hearts and souls into it."

They are holding an awareness day at George Yard in Braintree on August 3, between 10am and 3pm.

The club also meets in Chapel Hill in Braintree on Thursday. 

Braintree Rotary Club and Braintree Lions Club helped pay for the trip to Pleasurewood Hills.