The event was hosted by Macmillan Young Carers’ service at Ridgeway Children’s Centre in Park Avenue, South Shields.

Former Foreign Secretary Mr Miliband said: “I am delighted to meet the young people and their families – Macmillan does a first-class job, and I am pleased to support its efforts in raising much-needed money for a very worthwhile charity.”

The young carers’ service supports children from five to 18, who are caring for a parent with cancer.

Sarah Raistrick, young carers’ service awareness co-ordinator, who organised the coffee morning, said: “We’re delighted that Mr Miliband took time out of his busy schedule to help support both the children we work with and Macmillan Cancer Support.”

It was one of many coffee mornings taking place throughout the borough.