BUTLINS in Minehead began a partnership with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers on January 1 in a bid to support volunteers.

Butlins will be inviting the 1.5million annual guests that visit the three resorts to take part in fundraising events such as five-a-side football matches and entertainment events while those booking their holiday on-line can donate £1.

The trust was established in 1991 to provide support, information and advise to unpaid carers across the UK through its unique network of 133 independently managed Carers' Centres and interactive websites, www.carers.org and www.youngcarers.net.

The trust provides support to over 300,000 carers, including 15,500 young carers.

Richard Bates, managing director of Butlins, said: "The moment I read about all these unsung heroes, particularly the children who dedicate their childhood to looking after adults, I knew I wanted Butlins to get involved in as many ways as possible."

Sheila Dent, acting chief executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: "Richard was so moved by the plight of young carers he immediately decided he wanted to do something to make a difference. It's been a great pleasure to find that Butlins pay a great deal more than simply lip service to their founding principles regarding the importance of family."