MIDDLESBROUGH Mayor Ray Mallon will be paying tribute to the work of carers next week.
He is taking part in a week-long programme of events in the town to highlight their role and the training opportunities open to them.
It is estimated one in five people take on caring responsibilities at some time in their lives and there could be 20,000 people of all ages in Middlesbrough caring for a dependent relative or friend.
"The national figures show that carers save the public purse a staggering amount, something like £50m a year," said Mr Mallon.
"What's perhaps more important is what they put into the community, by adding great value to the care process and by helping define and meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in society."
Information is available from a stall in the Cleveland Shopping Centre and the Get-It Centre on Albert Road, Middlesbrough.
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