County residents are being urged to nominate their carer of the year ahead of a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by Falkands War hero Simon Weston.

Carers in the community safeguard more than 900 elderly residents in their homes county-wide.

The work and dedication provided by Carmarthenshire care workers for older vulnerable people in their own homes is being honoured for the first time at Parc y Scarlets on July 18.

There are seven nominated from each of the following categories: Outstanding Contribution to Domiciliary Care; Frontline Leader Award;

Young Carer of the Year; Support Worker of the Year; Care Trainer Award

Exceptional Newcomer’s Award.

Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board Member for Social Care, Cllr Jane Tremlett, said: “It is wonderful that the work that carers do for more than 900 elderly vulnerable people in Carmarthenshire is being recognised in this way.

“A team has been looking at the recruitment and retention issue within the independent domicilliary care sector and it was felt an important element of this would be recognising their valuable and selfless work with an awards ceremony.

“We need people to go on line and vote for those nominees successfully shortlisted by visiting the website: www.carmarthenshirecareawards.co.uk available July 7-14th.”

Guest speaker at the ceremony is Scots Guards soldier and burns survivor of the Falklands War, Simon Weston OBE. Simon has inspired a generation with his courage and has benefitted hugely from the caring and nursing profession.