A YOUNG carer from Amesbury has been honoured by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire for her dedication to caring for her family.

Jessica Traynor received a High Sheriff’s award from Lady Laura Phillips during a special ceremony at Salisbury Cathedral.

The 16-year-old, who has helped look after her mother and young brother at home for more than four years, was nominated for the award by the Wiltshire Young Carers Support Service, part of the charity Youth Action Wiltshire.

Jessica’s mother has severe arthritis so Jessica has to do many of the household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping, as well as helping to look after her brother, who is now 13.

Niki Andrews, Wiltshire Young Carers Service Co-ordinator, said: “The Young Carers team nominated Jessica because she is a dedicated carer and an inspirational young person. “She has worked hard to become the confident, outgoing and well respected young lady we now see. We are all very proud of Jessica’s achievements and wanted that recognition for her.”

Jessica said: “I felt very nervous about being at the ceremony but it made me feel very proud.

“My mum and my brother were there to see me receive the award. The certificate is now on show in our living room.”

Wiltshire Young Carers provides a respite service, one to one support, training sessions and regular group meetings for young carers in different parts of the county to help them cope with their difficult role within the family.