YOUNG carers from York were given the experience of a lifetime when they were taken flying.

The group of 20 young carers – aged from nine to 15-years-old – were taken flying with Pom Flying Club at Humberside International Airport.

They were flown over the Humber Bridge in light aircraft as part of Aviation Without Borders National Fly Kids Day.

Emily Hicks, from York Carers’ Centre, said: “The opportunity was excellent as some of the children get really tied down to home life and don’t get out of the house much.

"Some of the children were very nervous as many had never been on a plane before this day, but all of the children really enjoyed themselves.

"One child got really upset before the flight and with encouragement of his peers and staff overcome his fears and said it was the best thing he had ever done”.

The children were all presented with certificates at the end of the day by the Pom Flying Club who had volunteered to fly the planes.

Chris Dale, managing director of the Pom Flying Club, said: “We are again very privileged to be participating in this very worthwhile cause, and we are delighted that our Pilot members have given their time to take these children up for brief flight.

"To experience the joy of flight is a wonderful experience”.

York Carers’ Centre works with 150 young carers aged between eight and 18 but there are though to be many more.

The 2011 census showed there were about 1500 carers aged five to 25 in York.

The Carers Trust has said 3,000 of the UK’s young carers care for over 50 hours a week. Following a survey in 2010, the BBC estimated that there are 700,000 young carers in the UK.

York Carers’ Centre arranges get togethers and days out for young carers, offering support to young people who are helping to look after someone at home.

Young carers may be helping look after a brother or sister, parent or grandparent with an illness, disability, mental health problem or a problem with alcohol or drugs.

York Carers' Centre offers support to people of all ages including free confidential advice and information on a range of issues such as benefits, employment, training, carers’ rights and how to plan for an emergency.

For more information on the charity visit: www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk