Youngsters who have to look after their sick parents or siblings have been given a massive boost.

Andover Young Carers has been handed over £20,000 to help its work in supporting them.

The money came from Hampshire County Council and will be warmly welcomed by the charity.

As Andover Sound reported in November, it had its lottery funding by half which may put strain on what it does next year - click on the link below for more details.

The cash handed out is part of over £83,000 being dished out to help youngsters right across the Test Valley.

Commenting on the grants Councillor David Kirk, Hampshire County Council's Executive member for Children's Services, said: "Hampshire County Council is committed to ensuring children and young people have access to a wide range of therapeutic, educational and recreational services and activities. These grants have gone to a broad range of applicants, some of whom have applied for the first time.

"All the organisations receiving funding are working with, and for, children and young people to provide positive activities enabling them to stay healthy and safe and encouraging them to make a positive contribution to the wider community. District-based Children and Young  People Groups recommend recipients for these grants to ensure our grant awards reflect local community needs."

Hampshire County Council are dishing out £1 million in total to projects in their area.