Family days out are rare for 12-year-old Ruby Payne but the young carer was given the VIP treatment as she went to watch Norwich City in action.

Ruby helps care for her 11-year-old sister Hollie, who is autistic while having sensory processing disorder and anxiety, with her parents Gary and Kerry Payne.

She was able to enjoy some quality time with her dad as they watched the Canaries in action though, thanks to a new partnership between the English Football League (EFL) and the British Red Cross.

Norwich Evening News: Ruby Payne, 12, with her dad Gary Payne at Carrow Road (Image: British Red Cross)Ruby Payne, 12, with her dad Gary Payne at Carrow Road (Image: British Red Cross) (Image: British Red Cross)

Gary said: "Even though we lost the game, it was great for me and Ruby to spend some quality time together and have a break from being carers.

"Caring for a member of your family can take its toll sometimes.

"Me and my wife never go out together on our own because we can't leave Hollie with anyone, just in case she needs us. 

Norwich Evening News: Gary and Ruby Payne with the British Red Cross (Image: British Red Cross)Gary and Ruby Payne with the British Red Cross (Image: British Red Cross) (Image: British Red Cross)

"Family outings often get cancelled because Hollie will wake up one morning and decide she doesn't want to go out and then we're forced to cancel.

"And although Hollie goes to school, some days she can only manage half an hour and others she'll last a couple of hours, so it’s very hard for us to make plans.

"We have to take life one day at a time."

Norwich Evening News: As well as watching Norwich play, Ruby also took part in a five-a-side match (Image: British Red Cross)As well as watching Norwich play, Ruby also took part in a five-a-side match (Image: British Red Cross) (Image: British Red Cross)

The family were given free tickets to the clash with league leaders Burnley, which City lost 3-0, but prior to the game Ruby played five-a-side at Carrow Park and received a gift bag of Canaries goodies.

Gary added: "Having that time with Ruby was special.

"Ruby got the chance to have a kick about at the ground and it felt fantastic watching her playing football and taking part in all the activities from the day."

Norwich Evening News: Dimitris Giannoulis of Norwich City (Image: Focus Images)Dimitris Giannoulis of Norwich City (Image: Focus Images) (Image: Focus Images)