CARERS in east Durham have been invited to take a well-earned rest at an event aimed at giving them some much-needed support.

As part of National Carers Week, June 13 to 19, Easington Carers Collaborative is holding a celebration event for carers on Wednesday, June 14, at Shotton Hall Banqueting Suite, in Peterlee.

The day will offer a number of activities for carers, including pamper sessions, salsa dancing and musical entertainment.

The number of people providing unpaid care in Easington Distict numbers almost 12,000, one of the highest figures in England and Wales and the greatest number in the North-East.

Liz Allan, Easington Primary Care Trust's patient and public involvement manager, said:

"Anyone with caring responsibilities will be more than welcome at our event. It's an ideal opportunity to meet people in a similar situation, find out more about local support and services available to them and give themselves a break.

"The event is also a way of saying thank you to carers. This will give them a rare opportunity to relax by indulging in a beauty makeover or holistic treatment while listening to live music.''

The event is free to any carer in the district. For more information, telephone 0191 5876001.