AT THIS time of year we recognise the armed forces, emergency services and doctors and nurses for the work they do.

This year we can add local authority staff who have performed miracles in the treacherous weather.

But we should also remember another group of people who, in many cases, do not enjoy the same Christmas break as others.

Carers, paid and unpaid, work all year and in all weathers to ensure some of our older and most vulnerable people receive the care they need.

For some, a visit by a carer might be the only contact they have with another person during the day or might make the difference between being able to get out of bed or not.

Carers’ dedication has been tested to the limit during the atrocious weather, but they have battled on to ensure their calls are made.

Carers are so often overlooked, so I want to thank everyone who works as a carer, whether looking after residents in a home or helping people in their own homes.

You are appreciated, especially during these holiday periods.

Mike Padgham, Chairman of the Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire), Eastfield, Scarborough