Young carers discover love for planes at aviation day

The day was arranged by Gloucestershire Airport's charity Fly to Help which offers career taster programmes

Young carers say they have discovered a new-found interest in planes after taking part in an aviation charity-run scheme.

The group from Gloucestershire Young Carers took part in an aviation career taster day at Gloucestershire Airport last week.

It was facilitated by the airport's charity Fly to Help which offers career taster programmes called Aim High to introduce young people to the world of aviation.

"I wasn't really that interested at first - but I love planes now," said Theo, one of the participants.

Theo added: "Now that I've come here, I've figured out I want to be a plane engineer."

Carers were given an insight into the aviation industry, with tours of the planes and repair areas and a chance to practice air traffic control inside of a simulator.

The airport team runs the Aim High programmes to help inspire young people

"We've done a lot [of things] that I normally wouldn't have the chance to do," said Grace.

"My favourite part of the day was probably practicing the air traffic control. I wasn't really interested in planes before now - I thought they were cool - but I feel like the more you know about them, the cooler they get.

"It's actually a really fascinating job," added Elsa.

Gloucestershire Young Carers is a charity which supports young people who take on caring roles for family members in the county.

They provide carers with advice, advocacy, youth support, short breaks and regular activities to give them a break from their caring role.

Rebecca Bryan, keyworker at Gloucestershire Young Carers, said: "I can't thank the airport enough for giving this opportunity to the young carers we support.

"It just goes to show how it can build their confidence, inspire them and unite them as a group. That's what it's about, giving them that break and respite."