A WEEK of events aiming to illustrate the important role played by carers is to be held in Darlington.

Carers Week takes place next month, with organisations including Carers Darlington group, the Darlington Association on Disability Carers' Service and the YMCA arranging various activities across the town.

The Carers Week campaign supports the country's six million carers, who devote much of their time to looking after sick or disabled friends, partners or relatives.

The theme of the week, In Sickness and in Health, aims to highlight the effect that caring can have on the carers' own health and encourage more people to seek support from local services.

Events being staged in Darlington are:

* Friday, June 9: Radio Cleveland bus in Market Square, 10am to 4pm

* Saturday, June 10 and 17: coffee morning at Bradbury House, in Beaumont Street, from 10am to noon

* Monday, June 12: information stand and charity stall in Market Square, 10am to 4pm

* Tuesday, June 13, from 10am to noon, and Friday, June 16, from noon to 2pm: drop-in session at Bradbury House

* Tuesday, June 13: healthy afternoon with refreshments at Walkington House, Vane Terrace. To book a place, telephone (01325) 357533

* Wednesday, June 14: free bus trip to Ripon and Leyburn. Contact Ken Fooks on (01325) 266164 or Janet Cooke on (01325) 269047 to book a seat

* Friday, June 16: information session at Crown Street Library, 10am to noon

* Sunday, June 18. Service for carers at United Reformed Church, Northgate, 10.45am.

A young carers' conference also takes place on Friday, June 16, from 10am to 1pm, at Maidendale House, on the Firthmoor estate. It is aiming to raise the profile of the needs of young carers.