ENGLAND footballers lit-up the faces of young carers during a visit to the New Forest.

The Honeypot Children's Charity, which supports vulnerable children and young carers, is the new official domestic charity partner of the England Footballers Foundation.

To mark the partnership, England stars Harry Kane, Andros Townsend and Gary Cahill visited some of the children supported by the charity, which has a respite centre near Beaulieu.

It's hoped the partnership, which will run until after the European Championships in 2016, will help break-down the stigma of being a young carer and highlight the amount of responsibility they face on a daily basis.

England defender Gary Cahill spent time at the charity’s centre, Honeypot House, where he met huge England fan James, aged eight.

James cares for his older brother Terrence who has Autism and ADHD, and is often responsible for watching Terrence play, helping him go to the toilet and keeping him safe when his mum needs a rest.

Gary Cahill said: “Honeypot really stood out because of the vital work they do to help vulnerable youngsters like James who often miss out on their own childhood.

“Honeypot provides breaks and support throughout the year which is so important.”

Andros Townsend and Harry Kane spent time with 10-year-old Charlie, who is the primary carer for her mum and five-year-old sister.

Charlie said: “I help my mum by doing the cooking, cleaning and washing, but I also look after my little sister, making sure that she has had a bath and I’ve read her a story.

“Before I go to bed I make sure my mum has taken her tablets and then I do my homework before I go to sleep.”

Harry Kane said: “Meeting Charlie has really helped me understand why Honeypot is so vital.

“There are children as young as five who are the main carer for their parent or sibling and that’s shocking.

“Without them many of these children would have no support at all; it’s why the squad want to do as much as we can to help.”

Simmi Woodwal, CEO of Honeypot, said he was delighted about the partnership.

He added: "The players support has been fantastic and we’re only just starting our work together.

“For a small charity, this really is a dream come true. We are very much looking forward to an exciting partnership".