THE borough's unsung heroes who provide vital care to the ill, disabled, elderly and other members of the community have received civic recognition.

A group of carers met the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Paul Nesbit, and his wife, Shirley, during a visit to the town hall on Tuesday (June 12).

Among those in the party was former Bury Woman of the Year Mrs Lily Reid of the locally-based Making Space group.

The engagement coincided with National Carers Week 2001.

The visitors spoke to the mayor and mayoress about their work and that of organisations involved in caring throughout the borough.

In Bury, a series of information events have been staged in the town's Mill Gate centre, supervised by the Carers Partnership.

Staff handed out information and advice for carers as well as circulating copies of a new "Breaks for Carers" brochure.

Other topics discussed included training, employment opportunities, careers advice and benefits and services for the ethnic minorities.