PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has chosen Carers Week to call for better support to be given to carers.

The MP said: "There are thousands of carers in Pendle looking after loved ones and without them there would be massive extra demands on the NHS and Social Services. Over half of all carers also work and contribute to the local economy which means having to juggle their different roles. This must be terribly difficult.

"The main problem for working carers is the lack of flexibility in the workplace and this is something that should be addressed. Local authorities can also help. Many carers have told me about problems with day-care services being available only for limited periods and the absence of evening and weekend services and that childcare services often do not cater for disabled children.

"Clearly much needs to be done to support carers who contribute so much through their dedicated and unpaid help. They deserve our support."