A CARING youngster from Oswaldtwistle is the envy of all his friends after being featured on a new BBC documentary.

Edward Briggs, 13, is set to appear in the TV show highlighting the often forgotten role played by children caring for relatives.

Edward helps his mother Hazel look after his younger brother Thomas, 11, who suffers from severe autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

He was filmed on a night out bowling at Accrington Superbowl for the documentary, a regular event organised by the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Young Carers Project.

The group aims to provide support for young carers and organise events and meetings for the children who often have little time for socialising.

In addition to the filming at the bowling alley the BBC cameras will return to East Lancashire next week to visit Edward at home and at school.

The St Christopher's High School pupil said he was enjoying all of the attention of the TV cameras.

He said: "I was very surprised when they asked me but it is good fun.

"At school they didn't believe me when I said I was going to be on TV and now I think they are a little bit jealous."

The youngster added: "Being a carer isn't something you really think about, you just do it and get on with it.

"The carers project is a lot of fun and gives you a break from home." In his role as a carer Edward helps his mother look after Thomas and keep him occupied, a vital task because of his brother's very short attention span. Edward also helps with household jobs such as shopping and cleaning.

The filming was for an upcoming edition of BBC North West documentary Inside Out which is expected to be shown on BBC1 on February 20.

Film maker Andy Johnson said: "There is a very strong human interest element to Edward's story and we wanted to meet the kids who are having to deal with such huge pressures at such a young age."

Neil Worsley, from the Young Carers Project, said: "Edward helps his mum look after his brother and we try to provide support for children like him.

"Young carers usually miss out on the social side of life but for people like Edward, who works so hard for his family, activities like bowling are a way for him to unwind and have fun."