TWELVE-year-old Freddie Wall has been recognised by Children in Need for the care he helps provide.

Freddie supports his family to provide care for his younger sister Maddie, and the youngster from John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye was praised for his dedication to those around him.

As part of this year’s Children in Need, Freddie from Brampton Abbotts was interviewed by BBC Hereford and Worcester radio to talk about his role as a carer, and how he is helped by organisations like the young carers group in Herefordshire.

John Kyrle headteacher Nigel Griffiths said: “Quite simply, Freddie is a credit to his family.

“It is a genuine honour to have a young man like Freddie in our school community, and we are delighted that he was chosen to represent young carers in the area for such an important event like Children in Need.”

Mr Griffiths added: “The reality is that we have a number of children in our school who, like Freddie, take on additional caring responsibilities to support their families.

“They are all incredible young people, and the support that they get from organisations and charities like Young Carers is vital.”

Young Carers spokesperson Susan Brace said: “Freddie is fantastic and did a great job raising awareness of Young Carers and Children in Need in his radio interview.

“Herefordshire Young Carers Club are always here to support Freddie and others in similar situations so just get in touch if you think we can help.”

Town mayor Cllr Daniel Lister added: “Great, virtual high five Freddie. Be proud and keep smiling.”

The school will be holding a number of their own Children in Need fundraising events over the coming weeks, which began last Friday with sixth formers spending the day dressed up as characters from films.

A school spokesperson said: “After a long year in the shadows of coronavirus, it was great to see people enjoying the chance to have some fun.

“Technicians Wendy Brann and Gill Addis joined in too - and found that paper suits are actually very warm when worn all day! Great sports, both of them.

“It was non-uniform day for the rest of the school, with all money raised going to Children in Need.

“This is in addition to a similar event last month, when all students at John Kyrle participated in another non-uniform day which raised over £1,000 for Ross Food Larder.

“Thanks to everyone who took part today and to those who donated, either directly or as part of non-uniform days.”