WINCHESTER Cathedral has backed a project for young carers with its largest ever donation towards vulnerable children.

The outgoing Dean of Winchester presented the Children's Society with a cheque for £5,382.15, raised at four services over Christmas.

Nearly 4,000 people packed the cathedral for the events, which included two crib services on Christmas Eve.

True society runs Include, a service for young carers based in Colden Common.

The Very Rev James Atwell, Dean of Winchester, said: “To celebrate Christmas in the Cathedral with a gift that may change a young person’s life could not be more appropriate.

"We are grateful for the generosity of all the families who attended our children’s services and made it possible to more than double our contribution this year. We know this donation will help children from very challenging backgrounds, and it is important we do the best we can to support young people in such desperate need.”

It is the largest single contribution Winchester Cathedral has made to the cause.

From June 1 the cathedral will also host Hidden, a photography exhibition by young carers helped by the society.

Helen Leadbitter, programme manager at Include, said: “It’s so encouraging to know that people have come together in support of The Children’s Society and raised such an impressive amount. Our Include project helps thousands of young carers and their families, and this kind donation will go a long way in supporting them and other very vulnerable young people. On behalf of those we work with, I would like to say heartfelt thanks.”