TEENAGER Amy Chick today called for backing for a new charter fighting for carers and disabled children - including her sister Katie.

Amy, 16, who is studying to be a hairdresser at Weymouth College, helps look after her 12-year-old sister Katie, who suffers from the rare Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder that delays sufferers' intellectual development and causes speech impediments, sleep disturbance and involuntary hand movements.

Amy, of Hawkesworth Close in Weymouth, said Dorset County Council could ease the burden on her and her parents by adopting a charter drawn up by the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign.

The pledge, which 26 local authorities in the UK have already signed up to, aims to ensure councils provide better care for disabled children, their families and carers.

Amy, who recently had two of her ribs cracked by accident by Katie, said dealing with her condition takes its toll on her social and home life and that of her parents.

She claimed that the existing Every Child Matters charter, which has already been adopted by councils across the country, fails to meet the needs of disabled children and their carers.

She wants the council to also adopt the Every Disabled Child Matters charter. Organisations behind the campaign include Mencap, The Council for Disabled Children, Contact a Family and the Special Educational Consortium.

Amy said: "We need more funding to give us a break and time to relax and get away from the stresses of home life. At the moment the Every Child Matters Charter just lumps disabled children in with the others and doesn't address their needs."

Amy said she does not have time for many activities that other 16-year-old girls take for granted. She said: "Katie can't be left alone. She's got no sense of danger so someone has to be with her all the time.

"Sometimes I'll be looking after her while dad's at work and mum's cooking dinner. I find time for my college work but it has to fit around Katie. Everything we do has to revolve around her."

Amy's father Paul, who works for Dorset Police, praised his daughter's efforts but said the council could help by adopting the disabled children's charter.

He said: "It's a hard life and a different life like it is for many carers Amy's age. Looking after Katie affects Amy's school work and her social life."

Katie is also looked after by mum Debby and occasionally by older sister Lucy, 19, who lives in Bournemouth.

No one from Dorset County Council was available for comment.