HELENSBURGH and Lomond Carers toasted to Valentine’s Day with a coffee morning and tea dance.

The Lomond Street centre hosted the former event on February 14 when unpaid carers were invited to come along and enjoy home baking, including a pavlova made by Ann Mason, who was also celebrating a special birthday.

As well as cakes and a chat there was a raffle for people to test their luck. Around £72 was raised to help the carers continue their work.

The second event was a Valentine’s tea dance held on Friday at The Commodore.

More than 50 people attended the event for an afternoon of socialising, food and, of course, dancing.

Christine MacTaggart, outreach carer support worker, said: “We usually try and have four tea dances a year but it depends on funding.

“We get regular attendees and people coming along for the first time but everyone seems to enjoy them.”

Helensburgh and Lomond Carers have more than 500 unpaid adult carers registered with them and events like the tea dance provide them with a bit of respite.

Christine added: “These events are a break for the carers who work so hard all the time.

“It gives them a chance to meet up and have a chat.

“Our volunteers are also a big help in allowing us to run these events.

“Thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who came along to support the Valentine’s events.”

Helensburgh and Lomond Carers SCIO aim to make a positive difference to the lives of unpaid carers living in the area. For more information visit helensburgh-carer-support.org/