Karen Rainford, of Fowler Lane, Farington, is using the eight years she spent as a volunteer with the Make a Wish charity which grants wishes to sick children, to set up her own charity.

Her charity, called Miles of Smiles will provide individual treats for young carers or children who do not have a lot to smile about.

Karen, 53 on Thursday, said: "I just felt that Make a Wish had got a bit too big. I thought it would be nice to use my experience to do something for local children, in the Chorley, South Ribble, Preston, Blackburn and Ribble Valley areas.

"It might just be a shopping trip or a new hairstyle, a VIP trip to the cinema or a ride on a fire engine, even feeding a snake - anything that would bring a smile to their faces. They don't all need to cost money"

Karen, who has set up Miles of Smiles from her spare bedroom, needs to raise £5,000 before she can apply for charity status and has roped in some friends to help her new venture.

She said: "It is all voluntary, but we just wanted to set up a network to give youngsters who look after others, whether it's their mum, dad, younger sister or brother, a bit of a treat. They can be nominated by their support workers.

"There was one young girl who wants to be a model so we managed to persuade a photographer to put together a portfolio of pictures for her for nothing, and we gave her some money to buy some clothes.

"Another, in Clitheroe, wanted a ride in the Mayor's car, which we organised and we took her for lunch."

Word is spreading about the group and Karen is also giving talks to WIs and Mothers Unions and contacting schools to get the message out.

Karen said: "All the money raised will go to the children, there will be no wages paid out. I just enjoy doing voluntary work and my husband just lets me get on with it.

"It have been working voluntarily with the Make a Wish charity for eight years and I just thought something very local was needed to put smiles on children's faces mainly those who care for others or those who don't have a lot to smile about."

Anyone wanting Karen to come along and talk about the charity, or wishing to nominate a child for a treat, can contact her on 07801 446099 or email her on k.rain@tiscali.co.uk