Short break carers are selected from all ages and backgrounds

The money will go towards recruiting 'short break' carers - people able to give some time on a regular basis to look after a disabled child.

The idea is to ease strain on parents and families and enabling the child to develop new skills and confidence.

More than 40 disabled children, their families and carers gathered in the Senedd to listen to the announcement.

"This new �1.54m funding will help provide more short breaks, enabling disabled children and their families to live more normal and more rewarding lives," Ms Hutt said.

Those present were also celebrating the launch of a new bilingual DVD, narrated by rugby star Jonathan Davies, to encourage more people to volunteer as short term carers.

Tom Marshall (front centre) with parents and short-term carers

Ken Popel, who along with his wife Siobhan has been a short term carer to Tom Marshall, 16, for many years, told of his experience as a volunteer.

"It's been a pleasure watching Tom grow into a young man over the years," he said.

"He's become part of our extended family, and our own children have benefited from having him around."

Short break carers come from all ages and backgrounds, they may be retired, working, married, single or unemployed and while some have experience of working with disabled children others do not.

Volunteers are carefully checked and approved and have to attend a training preparation course and undergo training, support and an are eligible for an allowance.

Short breaks are one of the most frequently requested services by the families of disabled children, and many families are still waiting Pippa Boss Shared Care NetworkCymru

Pippa Boss, Development Officer for Shared Care NetworkCymru, which promotes the short break scheme said the funding will enable local authorities to offer the short break scheme to 70 more families in Wales.

"Short breaks are one of the most frequently requested services by the families of disabled children, and many families are still waiting," she said.