USERS of a care service enjoyed a vintage tea party at the Ashcroft Centre in Cirencester last week.

The event was organised by Crossroads Care as part of National Carers week to raise awareness of the work its carers do and to offer support and advice.

At the well attended tea party, which was organised as part of National Carers Week, those who use the care service and their families tucked in to a delicious variety of biscuits, cakes and hot and cold drinks.

Liz and Jim Denley attended and were full of praise for the event and the service that Crossroads provides.

“I think the tea party is a very good idea. It is very welcoming and the staff are lovely,” said Liz , who is assisted in caring for Jim by Crossroads.

“The whole organisation is really invaluable to us. The carers coming in allows me to go out and do my hobbies and interests.”

Jim, a former scientific engineer, who designed the electrical system for the Harrier Jump Jet aircraft , feels that people are very lucky to have a service like Crossroads.

He explained how much he enjoys his time with carers: “We always have a hobby to do when they come. They are so helpful. It feels they have been friends of ours for years.”

Another guest at the tea party, Tony Arkle, said he was extremely grateful to Crossroads carer Catherine Hattersley for supporting his sister-in -law Marlene Dodsworth at her Longford care home.

He said: “We wanted to come down and support them because they have been so wonderful in supporting us.”