A REDDITCH charity is calling on residents to help it win a cash boost so it can carry on its vital work.

Carers Careline, which has been supporting unpaid carers in the town for the last 26 years, has been short-listed for the next stage of the Lloyds Bank Community Fund.

The fund is a public vote, with the organisation receiving the most votes getting a cash boost of £3,000.

The organisation with the second highest number of votes gets £2,000, while the third highest gets £1,000, and fourth highest gets £500.

Wendy Stokes, fundraiser at Carers Careline, said: "We were absolutely delighted to have been chosen as we understand the competition was really tough this year. We are hoping that Redditch residents will get behind us and vote for us, as the top award of £3,000 will be invaluable to help support our work."

"We are completely self-funded and therefore rely heavily on Trusts and Foundations for our financial assistance. We would appreciate the backing of the local community in order for us to continue our worthwhile work to support local residents.

People can vote by visiting the Redditch Branch of Lloyds Bank, go online at https://lly-cf.com/RCF or text 'VOTE RCF' to 61119.

Carers Careline have been supporting informal and unpaid carers in Redditch who are over the age of 18 for the past 26 years by offering information and advice, signposting, training, social groups, events and activities, telephone support, drop-in, counselling and bereavement support. Many carers do not realise that this is the role they have taken on as they are often caring for a family member or loved one and feel that it is their duty to look after them. Another common problem can be the feeling of isolation, of being the only one in that position, of not knowing who to ask for help.

For more information about Carers Careline, based at the Ecumenical Centre, call 01527 66177 or email info@carerscareline.co.uk.