BURY Social Services has notched up a government award for their pioneering "care for the carer" scheme.

The department's Carer Breaks Direct Access Scheme took top spot in the "Improving the Lives of People who Care for Others" category in this year's Health and Social Care Awards.

Representatives from the social services department were presented with the accolade by Secretary of State for Health Alan Milburn.

The health supremo was at Manchester's G-Mex Centre for the special evening. He presented 22 Health and Social Care Awards for excellence and innovation. Bury's prize of £10,000 will be used to further improve the local scheme, which was only established as a pilot project last September. More than 50 carers have been able to enjoy a well-earned break in the first six months of the scheme being started.

Bury Council's social services spokesman, Coun Mike Connolly, said: "It was a wonderful evening which was made just perfect by our scheme taking top prize.

"To be recognised at this level shows just what a professional and well-thought out project has been established here in Bury and we know it will bring benefits to many carers in the future."

Mr Eddie Clarke, Bury Council's head of adult services, said: "Taking top place in the Health and Social Care Awards 2001 is a credit to all those who have been concerning with our scheme. That includes not only social services staff, but service providers and of course, the carers themselves who have helped design the initiative to meet their needs."