THOUSANDS of pounds have been awarded to a Worcester-based charity which works with young carers across the county.

BBC Children in Need today (Wednesday) announced it would hand YSS a whopping £44,654 to help provide activities and support for the young carers project in Worcestershire.

The money means YSS - which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary - can fund 13 projects and has more than £680,000 invested in the county, with each penny helping to benefit local young people.

Lorraine Preece, chief executive at YSS, said: "We are delighted to have this support from BBC Children in Need, particularly as we are celebrating our 30 year anniversary this year.

"The funding will allow us to continue our successful young carers Participation Project; empowering young carers, giving them a platform and voice to raise awareness and issues affecting them in and around Worcestershire."

Melinda Connelly, regional head of Central England for BBC Children in Need, said: "It’s always extremely gratifying to award funding to projects, such as this one in Worcestershire, that makes a tangible difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.

"In the coming months YSS Ltd will work with young people in the area who need it most, which without the help of our fundraisers wouldn’t be possible.

"A big thank you to everyone who has fundraised or donated."

Projects working with children and young people facing any kind of disadvantage can find out more on how to apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants.

The next deadline for the Small Grants programme is Thursday, September 1 and the deadline for the Main Grants programme is Thursday, September 15.

For more information about YSS visit yss.org.uk