YOUNG carers often do not know they are carers, their plight can go unnoticed and finding support can be difficult.

But for children who look after relatives, just knowing they are not alone can be a huge relief.

With that in mind, a single has been created based on the experiences of young carers in Bolton with the help of a social care watchdog.

Healthwatch Bolton, together with local singer/songwriter, Casper Mason, have written, recorded and released a charity single.

Deborah Robinson, an engagement officer with Healthwatch, said: "It's not meant to be really obviously about what it's about.

"So many carers have listened and gone 'Oh my God, that's my life!' and others who aren't carers just find it really touching."

The song, Growing Older has been recorded by Casper Mason, a singer/songwriter and volunteer at Kidz2gether, with help from young North West artists Ella G, aged 11, Ben Jordan and Casey, both aged 13.

From the proceeds, 50 per cent will go to Kidz2gether and Autism Aware UK. The other half will be used to help Mr Mason, who lives with autism, to create new charity singles for worthy causes.

The song was born out of a research project Healthwatch did to find out what support there was for young carers in Bolton and what additional services they needed.

Ms Robinson, said: "After we've done some research we will publish a report, which goes out to the public and health services.

"The kids we spoke to said 'that's great but we're not interested in a report, that's not what I'm interested in, I'm seven' or 'I'm 13'.

"We thought, let's maybe do a catchy song, it kind of fitted with the project.

"They said 'that would be perfect because we're kids and we listen to music'."

Ms Robinson explained many young carers might not know they are carers, or class themselves as one but pointed out any sibling of a child with learning disabilities or behavioural concerns is a carer.

She added that often children who look after their parents will not notify their school or social services.

Ms Robinson said: "In a lot of cases schools and social services won't know a child is a carer.

"The kids think they are going to get pulled away from their family. What they really need is practical support. They enjoy caring but what they need is additional support, like they want to know how to cook or get some first aid training.

"Some want an online chat to talk to other carers, some tell a friend but they feel that friend might get bored."

Growing Older is available to purchase online, including on iTunes, for 79p. A special showcase of the song, featuring inspirational stories from young carers in Bolton is going to be held at The Octagon Theatre on Tuesday, January 16 at 7pm.