People in South Manchester are being urged to back a charity campaign to help the UK’s hidden army of seven million unpaid carers – 800,000 of them in the north west and many of them young people and children as young as five.

Joanne Lumley is one of a host of celebrities backing the 2016 Britain’s Best Breakfast campaign, which takes place this week.

Organised by Carers Trust, the campaign will raise funds for its work to support children and adults caring for a family member or friend who is ill, frail or disabled.

People are asked to host a breakfast for friends, family and colleagues to help raise money to support more of Britain’s 7 million unpaid carers.

The Britain’s Best Breakfast 2016 website has details of how people can get involved.

Organisations in Greater Manchester that will benefit from Britain’s Best Breakfast include Trafford Carers Centre, Manchester Carers Centre and Carers Trust in Greater Manchester Crossroads Care Service.

Linda Drury, North West Regional Manager for Carers Trust said: “For many carers, the morning is the most difficult time of the day and they often have to skip breakfast because they simply don’t have time for it.

“We know from research that skipping breakfast can have a negative impact on concentration and memory, so it’s important that carers have time and support to look after themselves too.

“That’s why we’re asking everyone to get involved with Britain’s Best Breakfast.”

Backing the campaign, Joanna Lumley said: “I have always considered carers to be the best of the best, and if the honours system were mine to distribute the country would fill up with my new elite, all composed of carers.  Carers count: add them to your list of Most Fabulous People.”

Britain’s Best Breakfast takes place 10-16 October.