AS well as being a black belt in taekwondo Kieran Holmes is also a dab hand at ironing, hoovering, cooking and doing all the things that come with running a home.

That's because the 15-year-old is the main carer for his mum Debbie, 41, who suffers from a condition called fibromyalgia which means she is in constant pain and cannot walk far.

Her condition is compounded by the fact she has arthritis in her knees and hands and suffers from severe back and hip pain.

Now Kieran, a pupil at Grove Park School in Southampton, has been nominated for the Daily Echo Carer of the Year award, supported by Southampton Lions.

Every year the Southampton Lions, part of a national and international network of clubs, raises thousands of pounds for deserving good causes across Southampton.

Debbie, 41, of Burgoyne Road, Thornhill, who is pictured left with Kieran said: "I used to be a Cub Scout leader and now I find it hard to walk up the street.

"During the past two years my health has really deteriorated and I just would not be able to cope without Kieran.

"He does loads and helps with all the ironing, hoovering, washing and shopping. He will do everything he can to help me. Kieran also finds time to help his nan. I would be lost without him. He is my rock."

Kieran, who has an older brother Carl, 18, and step-sister Elisha, 20, also has to help his father Richard, 42, who suffers from arthritis.

He attends the Southampton Young Carers' Project, a scheme designed to support young carers, which nominated him for the Daily Echo Carer of the Year award. Leonie Warnick, who helps run the project said: "Kieran is a wonderful lad."