Parents across Oxford caring for dependent children and an elderly relative this summer holidays will be left more than £2,000 "out of pocket" by the end of the six weeks, according to new research.

The report by employee benefits provider, Seniorcare By Lottie, found the financial burden on 'sandwich carers', who care for an elderly person and child, rises greatly during the summer holidays.

On average, an Oxford sandwich carer loses £2,049, £341 a week, even with carer's allowance.

The out-of-pocket costs include expenses like household bills, childcare or summer camp costs, and any equipment or external support when caring for a loved one.

Lydia, a sandwich carer for her step-grandfather who is living with dementia, and her two young children, said: "We have to plan very carefully.

"The job of looking after my grandfather clearly pays no attention to whether there are school holidays or not.

"My self-employed husband effectively downs tools for the whole six weeks and takes full responsibility for the childcare."

Demand for respite care to briefly relieve carers of their duties shot up by 180 per cent in the lead-up to the summer holidays.

Lydia said she finds the summer holidays "very stressful", adding: "I feel guilty that my husband has to keep the kids entertained all summer.

"Then, when we do go away, I feel guilty if something happens to my grandfather, and I won't be on hand to sort it out."