AN MP promised yesterday to do all she could to support carers who devote their time looking after frail relatives and friends.

Helen Goodman, MP for Bishop Auckland, spent almost two hours at a centre run by the Durham Dales Action for Carers group in Barnard Castle.

There are about 1,000 men and women registered on the books of the group, which covers Teesdale and Weardale. It offers them guidance and helps to prevent them feeling isolated.

Ms Goodman said this was her first contact with the group since being elected.

She was anxious to hear about its work and its problems, and said she would do all she could to give it support.

Group chairman Terry Willets told Ms Goodman there was a shortage of funds following the withdrawal of £33,000 a year, which had previously been donated to the group by the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust.

He said other primary care trusts in the region provided funding for the carers' group, because trusts recognised the importance of their work.

The MP said she would look at the reasons for the end of funding and see if there was anything she could do to help. She said: "Many carers do valuable work."

Mr Willets said it was estimated that about 9,000 other people were caring for relatives or friends in Teesdale and Weardale without support.

He said: "This is possibly because they have not heard about us, or it may be that some would rather maintain their privacy."

Carers wanting support can call (01833) 630202 or (01388) 451400.