Kids TV star Kirsten O’Brien is calling on all young carers to get moving, get creative and win an iPod shuffle!

Kirsten O’Brien, TV presenter of Smart and Help! Teachers Coming to Stay, is inviting the country’s young carers - anyone under 18 looking after a sick or disabled loved-one - to show their creative flare by designing a Christmas card on the theme ‘What does Christmas mean to you?’ for the charity The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The winning design will be used on the charity’s annual Christmas card to help to raise money for their work in supporting carers. Kirsten will select one lucky winner and two runners-up and each will win an iPod Shuffle.

Christmas should be one of the happiest and most magical times of the year for children and young people, but instead it is often a time of great stress and isolation for the UK’s young carers as their caring responsibilities increase. Many will not even receive any presents as their parents may be too ill to leave the house. They might also end up cooking the Christmas dinner instead of relaxing or playing with family and friends. However support is available to young carers online, no matter where they live, by visiting The Trust’s young carers’ website YCNet.

Kirsten O’Brien says: “I’m really glad to have been asked to judge this Christmas card competition. I know young carers do so much for their families and Christmas can be a pretty tough time of the year for them. We’re looking for designs that really express what the festive season means to young carers and I can’t wait to see the entries. So what are you waiting for? If you’re a budding artist or photographer – get moving and get creative!”

Scan and email your design to youngcarers@carers.org or post it to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Freepost RRRY-JLXK-GZCG, Unit 14, Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8HD.

Remember to include your name and contact number.

The closing date is October 31st and the winners will be announced in November.