AN appeal to bring Christmas cheer to some of the town’s most deserving youngsters is being run by Church Square Shopping Centre.

Shoppers are being asked to buy an extra gift when they call into the centre for their festive shopping, and drop it into the management suite.

Donated goodies will go to make Christmas special for Cotham Street based Young Carers Centre, which supports youngsters aged six to 18.

They face a different festive break to many of their classmates because of extra family duties, often helping to care for their mum or dad.

Church Square shopping centre manager Steven Brogan said: “For many of us, Christmas is full of fun and happiness - our Give A Gift appeal is a chance to take a moment to think about others, these young unsung heroes, and help bring some sparkle to their Christmas.

“It doesn’t have to be a large present, just a little extra gift – toys, toiletries, a game or book - which will help these young carers realise that what they do every day is appreciated by the rest of us.”

Among those who will be helped will be 13-year-old Morgan and his identical twin brother Kelan Godwin.

The pair care for their mum Jill, who is in constant pain from fibromyalgia, neuralgia in her feet and arthritis in her knees, which means she has to spend much of her time in bed.

The two teenagers also help look after their 25-year-old brother Scott, who has chronic Crohn’s disease, which has caused his weight to plummet eight stone.

Their other brother Jamie, 22, has MS but has just moved out to live with his girlfriend.

Jill can’t walk far but is able to drive the twins to the regular Young Carers meetings and their drama groups.

She said: “They’ve had to look after me for the past seven years and it’s not easy for them, having to help me get out of bed, clean then house and do the shopping.

Morgan, a keen BMX, said: “We’ve got used to looking after Mum because she has limited mobility, and can’t get out of bed or do many other things herself.

“She’s always in pain so we help her as much as we can.”

Church Square Shopping Centre’s management suite is near Café Zinho.

For more details about St Helens Young Carers service contact 01744 677 279.