Mrs Porritt, of Lubenham Hill, Harborough, cared for her late husband Gordon, who had Parkinson's Disease, for about ten years and found out about the carers project after visiting a Parkinson's support group.

The couple benefitted from the service's carers project and used to attend regular support meetings.

But since Gordon's death last year she has put her energies into volunteering for the telephone befriending project.

"My husband's death left a big gap in my life. So when I was asked if I would like to be a telephone befriender I agreed," said Mrs Porritt.

"At present I have six or seven carers who I ring once a week. They enjoy a chat and it enables them to discuss any concerns they may have with someone who has been in a similar situation.

"I have found these chats have also been helpful to me and are very therapeutic as they take my mind off my own problems. I hope the carers enjoy the contact, too. When you're a carer you almost live in your own little world so it's nice to have some outside contact.I think it helps them to know that I've had the experience of being a carer because I can put myself in their position."