MORE support should be given to young carers in York through the extension of a successful national funding scheme, say Liberal Democrat councillors.

Councillor Carol Runciman is to propose a motion at today's full council, calling for the Pupil Premium school funding to be extended to include young carers.

The allowance goes to schools to support looked-after children and those from low income families, and other groups in need of extra support. In York the cash has amounted to an extra £12.6 million for schools since 2011.

In April, a new early years pupil premium will be introduced to pay an extra £300 for eligible three and four-year-olds.

Cllr Runciman, who is her party's spokesman on Children, Education and Young People, said: "It is right that the scheme is being extended to cover early years and I believe that this successful model should now be used to give young carers extra support.

"There are 113 young carers registered with the York Carers Centre, but we know there are many more young people with caring responsibilities in the city.

"Unfortunately, we also know that some of these can have problems at school. On average young carers have lower attainment at GCSE level than their peers and can experience other problems such as bullying."

Including young carers in the Pupil Premium scheme would help schools and colleges give them the extra support they need, she added.