IMAGINE being entirely dependent on your carer, who has popped to the shops.

They haven't returned because they have been involved in an accident.

But nobody knows they are a carer, and nobody knows about you.

You are stranded and alone.

Hopefully, that scenario will soon be a thing of the past in Preston after the British Red Cross launched a new service, the Carers' Emergency Card Scheme, in Preston.

Each carer registered in the scheme receives a card which they carry with them.

Should they be involved in an accident, anyone who finds them can use the card to contact the Red Cross, based in Fulwood, who will provide someone to take over the duties of the injured carer in the short term.

A spokesman for the charity, which recently welcomed Princess Alexandra to Preston, said: "This scheme is being run to co-operation with local carers' organisation, and carers carry this card so it can be used as an instant source of identification in case of accidents.

"The registration number of the car is linked to a computer where help can be coordinated to assist the dependent person while the carer is receiving attention.

"The service is available 24 hours a day an ensures nobody is put through unecessary suffering."

If the scheme is successful, it could be adopted across the country.

The spokesman added: "Because this scheme is so new, we are yet to be in a position to evaluate it but hopefully, if all goes well, we can expand it outside Preston."

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