YOUNG carer Patrick Garriock thinks nothing of putting the washing machine on or getting his sister’s breakfast to help his disabled mum.

The ten-year-old from the Devizes area has been caring for his mum, Jenny Brookbanks, and his four-year-old sister for the past three years and his efforts have been recognised in awards presented by Community First.

He was nominated by Wiltshire Young Carers and he won the Young Carers Achievement Award for under-12s.

Ms Brookbanks, 43, said: “I have several conditions which restrict my mobility and I’m a wheelchair user. Patrick helps me to look after my four-year-old daughter and does things that I can’t really do.

“He will get my daughter’s breakfast and cook a basic meal for himself and his sister. He helps me bathe my daughter and reads her a story.

“He will help out with the housework. He will vacuum, he will wash and dry up, he will put the washing machine on and hang up the washing. He is basically my arms and legs when I am too tired.”

She said Patrick was modest and loving and away from his caring duties he enjoys playing on his trampoline, walking the dog, playing the Wii and watching TV.

She said: “I think the award is a fantastic achievement and I’m so proud of him. He is very helpful, very cheerful, he always has a smile for everybody and makes everybody laugh.

“He has a lot of skills that are way beyond his ten years. He goes to Wiltshire Young Carers about once a month, which is fantastic for him. It gives him respite and they provide projects he is interested in. Going there allows him to spend time with his peers and be a typical child and relax.”

Patrick, who attends All Cannings Primary School, enjoys singing and has sung at the Royal Albert Hall, and is performing in the Young Carers’ Bath Philharmonia Project playing sound pads on Saturday at Calne Town Hall.

Patrick said: “I’m very proud of myself and I will carry on helping my mum.”

He said his dream job is to be a train driver so he can see the countryside.