ARMY chefs have helped a voluntary group which provides respite support to carers across Hambleton and Richmondshire to mark its 25th anniversary.

Sgt Ian Whitehead and Sgt Mik Cottingham, of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, baked a four-tier celebration cake for Thirsk Community Care Association.

The soldiers decorated the cake at Addenbrooke Barracks, near Topcliffe, ahead of a reunion ceilidh at Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall for the service’s clients and volunteers.

The event, which was attended by 135 people, raised more than £1,000 for the group, which provides support for carers for adults in Hambleton and carers for children in Richmondshire.

Volunteer co-ordinator Gill Burn thanked individuals and firms that donated to the event and said the group was aiming to highlight the service to carers in the villages surrounding Thirsk.

She said: “The association wanted to thank the contribution volunteers and carers make in the community, enabling people of all ages to stay in the home for far longer saving the economy in excess of £87 billion pounds a year.”

For details, call 01845-523115 or email gill. burn@tscca.