The figures in the 2001 Census, published earlier this month, reveal that there were about 51,000 carers in the UK in 1996, which rose to 149,000 in just five years.
Alex Fox, young carers co-ordinator at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: "We're pleased the census shows a more realistic view of the situation." But he warned that many families "do not always recognise that their child is caring" so the figure could be higher.
Eight young carers, supported by the trust and The Children's Society, met youth minister Ivan Lewis on 20 May to tell him young carers should get more support from their teachers. They asked that teachers get more training about carers.
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