BURY'S many carers are being offered advice and support over the next few days during National Carers Week.

An annual event, it aims to support the country's six million people who look after sick or disabled relatives or friends. Many carers are unaware of services available to help them.

This year's theme is health: two-thirds of people who provide care for more than 50 hours per week say their health has been affected by caring.

Bury Council has teamed up with Bury Primary Care Trust and the Carers' Partnership to salute the borough's carers and remind them of the support which organisations can give.

A number of events are planned in the borough including a one-day event at the Mill Gate Centre in Bury town centre tomorrow (Wednesday June 9). A full size 'body board' will be on display which will indicate stress and general illnesses attributable to caring responsibilities. Carers can also enter a prize health quiz.

Carers will also be encouraged to let their hair down at a series of other events next week:

Complementary therapy sessions at Blackburn Street Medical Centre, Radcliffe (10am to noon) and Greenmount Medical Centre (1.30pm to 3.30pm) on Monday (June 14).

Creative crafts (10.30am to 3pm) at the Carers' Centre, Hornby Street, Bury on Monday (June 14).

Complementary therapy sessions at Prestwich Health Centre (10am to noon) and the Elms Medical Centre, Whitefield (1.30pm to 3.30pm) on Tuesday (June 15).

Acrylic painting workshop (10.30am to 1pm) and quiz night (7.15pm to 9.30pm) at the Carers' Centre on Tuesday (June 15).

A ladies day featuring manicures, therapies and a buffet lunch at the Carers' Centre on Wednesday (June 16).

A men's lunch with chess, draughts and cards at the carers' centre on Thursday (June 17).

A healthy walk with a countryside ranger at Burrs Country Park at 2pm on Thursday (June 17).

Therapy sessions should be booked in advance: phone Vivien or Alison at the Carers' Centre on 0161 253 6903/6866.

The week's events have been backed by Bury North MP David Chaytor, who said: "Carers make an invaluable contribution to our community. None of us know when we may need looking after as a result of illness or injury.

"There is help and support available for people who have caring responsibilities. I urge everyone in Bury who looks after someone to contact their local carers group."