BURNLEY MP Julie Cooper has told of the problems she faced when a young carer.

Labour’s community health spokeswoman was speaking in a Westminster debate calling for extra support for children who look after others.

She said: “I was a young carer and I know it is not easy. Being a young carer can be a very isolating experience. All chances of childhood are lost.

“It is hard to laugh with so much responsibility. It is hard to be carefree when you are coming home from school worrying about what you will find.

“Balancing school and caring responsibilities is, to say the least, difficult. There is no time for homework and it is hard to concentrate at school. There are few chances to have a life of one’s own and few chances to socialise; it is difficult.”