Clr. Mike James has been chosen as Pembrokeshire's carers champion.

The announcement coincided with National Carers Week which was celebrated last week.

Clr. James attended his first event on Friday when a special advice and information event for carers was held in Crundale.

"Carers are the unsung heroes of our society," said Clr. James.

"They do what they do not for money, but for love and consideration of the people they look after - and as a result are often overlooked. I am delighted to champion their cause."

Clr. James has been the County Councillor for the St. Dogmaels ward since 2009.

He is vice-chairman of the council's older persons' health and well being overview and scrutiny committee and is also a member of the children and families and the safeguarding overview and scrutiny committees.

There are estimated to be over 14,000 carers in Pembrokeshire who provide support to their chronically ill, disabled or frail partners, relatives and friends.

Across the country, carers are estimated to save the UK £87 billion every year.