A CHARITY is celebrating after securing £500,000 funding to help support carers in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

Carers Link, which is based in Accrington, received the cash from the Big Lottery Fund, which will allow the service to operate for the next three years.

Carers provide help and support, without payment, to someone who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability.

The charity, which was set up 10 years ago, provides a wide range of support for local carers, including information, training, and help and advice.

Clare Root, manager at the Carers Link centre in King Street, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this money, which will enable us to continue our adult carers programme in the area.

"Over the past few years we have identified and supported around 1,500 carers locally and we know we have barely scratched the surface.

"Carers give so much and ask for little in return. I'm proud of the work we have done and look forward to the challenges of the next three years."

There are around 13,000 carers in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley that the charity aims to support.

Using the new funding staff hope to increase social inclusion for carers, as many struggle to live their own life due to the pressures of looking after a family member or loved one. Ms Root said that trips, activities, educational courses and other social events, will be organised to increase carers' social well being and psychological health.

She said that support for carers is vital as many are under extreme stress juggling a job with their unpaid caring responsibilities.

The funding will also help Carers Link, raise awareness of carers issues by holding presentations and talks.