Essex County Council has announced a major countywide promotion to find the first-ever Essex Carer of the Year.

This week is National Carers' Week, and the county council wants to find 'unsung heroes' - carers living in Essex who are not trained specialists or agency staff, who care for fathers, mothers, grandparents, sons, daughters, neighbours or friends.

The eventual winner will be awarded a Grand Day Out - a day in which they will be treated like royalty, tailored to their hobbies or interests.

Carers can nominate themselves, or be nominated by someone who knows them. 12 outstanding entries from around Essex will be put into a hat from which a winner will be drawn and offered the Grand Day Out and a presentation at County Hall.

Application forms are available in the forthcoming Essex Matters county magazine (delivered free to every home), or from 08457 430 430 or online. The entry rules are available on request. The closing date for all entries is Wednesday 9 August 2006.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the range of help available to carers can ring the Carers' Telephone and Assessment Support Service on 01245 437339.