Improving the life chances of young carers is the goal of a trailblazing new investigation being led by North Norfolk's MP.

Duncan Baker is steering the UK's first-ever parliamentary inquiry focused specifically on young carers and young adult carers, which is being supported by 11 youth advisors from across England. 

Mr Baker said: "We must ensure that young people have every opportunity to succeed in their lives, and by reviewing the barriers that young carers face we will hopefully see a review of existing policy.

"It is poignant that we have launched this inquiry during Carers Week (June 5-11), we need to ensure that the spotlight stays firmly on this matter which we believe is limiting the life chances of some young people." 

A young carer is someone who has a caring responsibility - and in some cases they are as young as five. 

There are an estimated one million young carers aged under 18 in the UK.  

Mr Baker is one of several vice-chairs of an all-party parliamentary group for young carers.

A report into the study is due to be published in November.