YOUNG carers from South Ayrshire have won a major award for a moving film which they made themselves showing the reality of life as a young person with caring responsibilities.

The inspiring young people - all part of the South Ayrshire Young Carers group - created 'The Weekend', a short film highlighting the pressures faced daily by young carers locally and across the country.

The film,  which was developed, written, and filmed by young people who attend the South Ayrshire Carers Centre, won the 'championing diversity and inclusion' prize at the Scottish Public Services Awards.

It's now now being used in awareness sessions at secondary schools to spread the word to other young people about the challenges young carers face juggling their education and their caring responsibilities - alongside the pressures faced by every teenager and young person as they grow up.

The young carers were present to receive the award at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on December 6 - watched by South Ayrshire's two constituency MSPs, Siobhian Brown and Elena Whitham, both of whom praised the winners for their  "powerful" and "moving" work.

Ms Whitham, who represents Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: “I am thrilled for South Ayrshire Young Carers for scooping the award.

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“I was lucky enough to see their short film, The Weekend, a few months ago and was blown away by it.

"This brilliant piece of work highlights the challenges and successes our young carers face daily and will be instrumental in raising awareness with other youngsters.

“A massive congratulations are extended to everyone involved. I look forward to seeing whatever comes next for the group.”

Ms Brown, the constituency MSP for Ayr, added: “I am delighted that the South Ayrshire Young Carers have won this award.

"Their video is a powerful and moving insight into the lives they lead, and how their caring responsibilities impact them daily.

"I am also pleased to see this video is being used to raise awareness in secondary schools.

“Young carers in South Ayrshire, and across the country, show incredible dedication to those who they care for whether that be a family member, friend or someone in the community and this award plays a small part in recognising that.

"I am very proud of them.”

South Ayrshire Carers has been approached for comment.