YOUNG carers can now receive mopeds to help support their education and training as part of a new pilot scheme launched in Norfolk.

Kickstart is working with Norfolk County Council to support young carers aged 16 to 18 to travel to and from school, college or work.

The 50cc mopeds are being loaned to the young people free of charge for six months, helping them to travel for both leisure and education.

Kickstart has received a grant from The Mason Trust to support the scheme and is working with Norfolk County Council to identify young carers who could benefit.

Dale Curtis, of Kickstart, said: "We want to support young people to access work, training and employment, by providing affordable transport that gives them independence and helps to overcome some of the challenges of living in rural areas.

"Young carers can be particularly isolated and arranging transport around caring for a family member can be a challenge."

The pilot programme will provide mopeds to five young people in the county but could be rolled out more widely if it is success and funding can be secured.

Mr Curtis said: "We would like to hear from anyone who could benefit."

The young people all have to take Compulsory Basic Training before receiving their mopeds, to ensure that they can use them safely. They are also provided with helmets.

James Joyce, Cabinet Member for Safeguarding at Norfolk County Council, said: "Young carers are an inspiration to us all and have to overcome significant challenges to their education and grow up very fast in caring for family members.

"This scheme is helping them to overcome one of those challenges and we are pleased to be working with Kickstart to identify those who could most benefit from the scheme.

"We are keen to hear from any young carers that think a moped would be able to improve their lives, opening up leisure as well as education opportunities."

For details, email richard.evans@norfolk.gov.uk.