PEOPLE who provide a vital service caring for others will be able to enjoy short breaks from their demanding jobs, thanks to new cash grants.

A total of £3,800 is being awarded in the Carers Grant Fund scheme run by Bolton Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) and Bolton Social Services.

The cash has been welcomed by local carers.

Florence Holden of the Lilian Hamer Carer Support Group said: "Most people get a break from their jobs. People look forward to their weekends and holidays.

"But when you are caring for someone 24-hours a day, seven days a week you don't get that. That is why the chance to have a break is essential. It means you can re-charge your batteries and go back fresh to caring again."

Among the activities supported by the grants are day trips for members of Lilian Hamer Carer Support Group, a trip to Smithills and a trip to a meditation centre for members of Thicketford Carer Support Group and a trip to the Halle Orchestra or one to one massage/relaxation treatment for carers from the Bury/Bolton ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group.

Yvonne Leech, group leader of the Bury/Bolton ME/CFS Support Group said: "It's vital for carers to get social contact and be a 'real' person. It's so hard to arrange for someone else to do the caring while you take a break, but these grants mean that all that can be organised."

The full list of groups awarded grants is: the Arthritis Care Bolton Jubilee branch for trips out, £500; Lilian Hamer Carer Support Group for day trips out, £300; Thicketford Carer Support Group for trips Smithills and meditation centre, £500; Bolton Cardiac Support Group for event to look at starting separate carers group, £500; Support for Self Harm for attending a conference, £500; Bolton Deaf Children's Society for visits to a relaxation and health clinic, £500; Bury/Bolton ME/CGS Support Group for trip to Halle Orchestra or one to one massage/relaxation treatment, £500; Bolton Mental Health Carers Group for day trips to theatre, cinema, Easter meal, £500.

Councillor Cliff Morris officially handed over the cheques at the Friends Meeting House in Silverwell Street.

He said: "Carers are the unsung heroes of the nation. May you all enjoy your break and congratulations on the awards."

Bolton CVS assistant chief officer Karen Minnitt said: "This year's grants have been part of a pilot project run by the CVS with funding from social services. It has been so successful that an application is being made to continue and develop the scheme later this year."

Groups which support carers who would like to apply for a grant can contact Bolton CVS on 396011.