TWO AMMAN Valley carers went well beyond the call of duty last week and marched through the snow to help a seriously ill patient.

The two carers had to park their cars in Station Road, Brynaman, before entering the Heol y Gelynen estate due to the dangerous state of the road.

But whereas some would have simply given up and headed home, the carers of 82-year-old Annie Stonehouse continued their journey to aid the pensioner at 8am.

Annie's son Dorian, who is himself a full-time carer, saluted the work of the two carers, insisting that they should even be nominated for an award.

He said: "You see so many people given OBEs or MBEs, but the work of these carers goes by without any recognition.

"I couldn't believe that they had made the trek in spite of all the conditions. They were absolutely fantastic."

The attitude of the carers, who work under Carmarthenshire Council's In House Care Scheme, has led to calls from Mr Stonehouse for the council to reconsider plans to privatise the sector.

He said: "People don't realise the importance of such a service until the time comes when they need assistance.

"It is not just eldery people that need care, but people of all ages.

"I hope the work of these carers goes towards showing the council how good the current service is."