THE head of a patient’s watchdog group has been applauded for his tireless work representing the interests of carers in Worcestershire.

Chairman of Healthwatch Worcestershire Peter Pinfield was given the Howerd Brooksbank award at the Worcestershire Association of Carers annual conference earlier this month.

The award, named in honour of the association’s founder, who died in May 2010, is given to an individual, group or team who has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of carers in the county.

Mr Pinfield, who was applauded for his years of work supporting carers and raising awareness of the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives, said he was delighted to be handed the prestigious award.

“I deem it a privilege and honour to be recognised in this way,” he said.

“Much of the work I do at a local and national level is not down to me but is in response to carers themselves."

The Worcestershire Association of Carers has 1,800 members and represents the 63,000 unpaid adult carers across the county.

For more information on the the charity, visit carersworcs.org.uk.