SEVEN young people who give their childhood's to care for relatives will go to a summer festival thanks to £1,400 in donations.

Charity Harrow Carers could not afford to send the youngsters it supports to the Young Carers Festival, in Southampton, in June, until Ladbrokes stumped up £1,000 for the trip.

Waitrose, in Harrow Weald, has also given a helping hand of £400 through its Community Matters scheme.

Ben White, of Harrow Carers, said: “They've given us some money and that's given us the opportunity to take these kids, who would not be able to go otherwise.

“It gives them an opportunity to meet another crowd and have a good time really. Because of the recession this year we wouldn't have been able to afford it without the extra money.”

The Young Carers Festival in Southampton runs from Friday, June 24, to Sunday, June 26.