A 76-YEAR-OLD who is one of the longest serving adult carers in Widnes has been recognised for her work.

Halton Borough Council has awarded a certificate of recognition to Sylvia Roberts at The Mayor's Parlour at Runcorn Town Hall on October 25.

Sylvia works as a carer for adults who need support due to age, illness or disability.

Originally from south Liverpool, Sylvia and her husband owned a small shop serving the community before moving to Runcorn where she started working as a care assistant for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Following the move to Widnes in 2001, Sylvia, an avid reader, noticed an advert at Widnes Library asking for people who may have a few hours to spare.

Sylvia rang the number on the advert and following an assessment period started working as an adult placement carer in July 2002.

Now 16 years later, Sylvia, who is considering retiring when she turns 80, is able to support three people in her own home

Stiofan O'Suillibhan, divisional manager of adult social care, said “People like Sylvia are very hard to find.

"Committed to caring for others and a sense of humour are some of Sylvia’s many attributes and we are very lucky that she saw our advert seventeen years ago.”

Halton Borough Council is looking for more people like Sylvia who can become a carer in their own home.

Full training is provided and, once approved, the carers position comes with a tax free payment depending on the number of people cared for.

Executive board member for families, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: "We are now looking towards a time when our adult care service will come under greater pressure due to Halton's population becoming ever older and demands for our services increase.

"We need carers to look after people within their own families now more than ever.

"Feeling part of a family in the carers home is a well known route to keeping them active and in good health.”

For more details call 0151 511 6677.