Do you know a parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew that helps to care for a member of their family? 

You have just two days left to show your appreciation and celebrate their efforts by nominating them for the Dorset Echo Care Awards 2017.

According to the Office of National Statistics, 8 per cent of people living in private households act as informal carers and save the UK economy almost £60 billion a year. 

Some family carers may not even realise they have become a carer as looking after a family member or partner can be such a natural step to take. But most informal carers continue to juggle full or part time work around care provision and it can be a huge challenge and responsibility to undertake. 

For the 'Best Family Member Carer' category, we are looking for someone who selflessly gives up their time to care for a loved one, either full time or part time, whether they are a parent, partner or other relative. 

If you know someone worthy of an award, now is your chance to send us your submissions as nominations will close on October 26.

Dorset Echo editor Diarmuid Macdonagh said: “At a time when there is so much emphasis on care in the news it is important that we take every opportunity to highlight the vital, and often unheralded, work being done in this area.”

Shortlisted finalists and their guests will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony at Weymouth College on Thursday, November 9.

The winners will be announced and they will each receive tickets for Brittany Ferries, certificate, flowers, and will be featured in the category winners' coverage in the Dorset Echo.

Other care award categories are: 

  • Best Volunteer/ Unpaid Carer
  • Best Care Home
  • Best Nurse
  • Best Social Care Worker
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Best Social Care Worker
  • Best Under 18 Care Provider
  • Best Care Organisation

How to enter: 
Email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with subject line 'Care Awards' or write to Dorset Echo Care Awards Nomination, 
Fleet House, 
Hampshire Road, 
Weymouth 
DT4 9XD with the following information: 

  • The category 
  • Person you are nominating 
  • Why you are nominating them in 100-250 words
  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your telephone number 

Usual Newsquest competition terms and conditions will apply please visit dorsetecho.co.uk/competitionterms for full details.