CHESHIRE East Council mayor, Cllr Olivia Hunter, is holding a charity ball to support young carers in the borough.

The borough has 170 young people, some as young as nine, known to them as young carers who support and care for their parents or older siblings with severe disabilities or mental health problems.

As one of Cllr Hunter’s chosen charities, it is hoped Cheshire Young Carers will receive a significant boost from the annual ball, which takes place at Cranage Hall, Holmes Chapel on October 15.

The event will also support another of the mayor’s chosen charities, The Christie, and will include a raffle and charity auction.

Cllr Hunter, a former young carer herself, said: “There are so many young carers in society whose work behind their front door is not always recognised or known about.

“Young children, teenagers and young adults find themselves living a different way of life to their friends in the street or at school and in many cases they may not attend school or college because of the demands placed upon their time through caring for an older relative or loved one.

“I was a young carer myself from the age of nine and have also experienced the great shock and devastation one experiences when a loved one is struck with cancer.

“I do hope that residents and businesses in particular, will support the Mayor’s Ball this year, knowing that they can be making a real difference to the life of a young carer, many of whom need respite from their daily commitments.

“Cheshire Young Carers provides a wide range of support, including mentoring, health and wellbeing programmes and help with education.”

Tickets for the black tie event are available for £45, including a glass of bubbly and three-course dinner. Anyone buying 10 tickets will receive two complimentary bottles of wine for their table.