PEOPLE in Bolton who care for sick, disabled or frail relatives save national and local services a staggering £340 million a year, a report claims.

Each of the town's estimated 34,000 carers helps to save the state an average £10,000 a year in caring costs. Research shows that one in six Bolton residents is a carer.

A new report published by Carers UK, which represents carers, reveals that across Britain the saving is a massive £57 billion a year.

The report, "Without Us...", published for National Carers' Week which runs until Sunday, claims that if only a small number of people gave up caring, the economic impact on the country would be dramatic.

Carers include daughters looking after their elderly or sick parents, partners caring for their sick husbands or wives, and mothers who care for their disabled children.

John Seddon, chairman of Bolton Crossroads Caring for Carers, said: "It is incredible how much the local economy relies on unpaid care provided by family and friends. Without carers our National Health Service and social care systems would collapse."

Bolton Crossroads provides support workers who enable carers to take a short break for a shopping trip or just to get some time to themselves at home.

Jane Harrison, chairman of Bolton Carers' Support, said carers needed recognition and support. She added: "The fact that they are saving the health and care system so much money should be more widely known. Thousands suffer isolation and poverty due to the effects of caring."

There is state benefit for some carers who look after young people and help is available with adaptations and gadgets for the disabled. But in general many carers get little or no help.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Bolton Carers' Support should ring Bolton 363056. Carers' UK has launched Carers On-line, a website for carers, at www.carersonline.org.uk

An exhibition to help carers is being held on Saturday in Victoria Square, Bolton, from 10am to 4pm.