A carers charity has reached a milestone.

Nikki Sylvester, mother of five-year-old Jay, has become the 1,000th carer registered with Redcar Carers Together, which provides free and confidential support.

Like many carers, Ms Sylvester juggles looking after for Jay with her job as a telecare co-ordinator for elderly people at Coast and Country Housing.

Ms Sylvester said: "I didn't realise how Carers Together could help someone like me. I now have peace of mind that if something should ever happen to me, I've got a plan in place to get assistance for Jay."

Jay, a pupil at John Emmerson Batty Primary School, Redcar, has overcome severe health problems after being diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, which resulted in as many as 90 seizures a day.

But the condition has been controlled and he's been seizure-free for a year.

Carers Together manager Sue Reeves said: "Being able to support 1,000 carers is a great achievement.

"There are more than 16,000 carers living in our borough, many of whom are unaware of the support that is available to them, so we still have a challenge ahead of us."

Valerie Halton, cabinet member for health and social services at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which supports the group, said: "Carers Together provides a wonderful service to help people cope with difficulties faced when looking after a relative or friend whatever their age or disability."

To register, or for more information about the service, call 01642-488977.