KEIGHLEY GPs have paid tribute to their “unsung army” of volunteer carers who help them support patients and relatives.

Practices in the local Modality network organised a special thank-you event as part of Keighley Carers Week.

The doctors wanted to celebrate volunteers who are increasingly helping with innovative efforts to provide new services and activities to patients.

Keighley Civic Centre and North Street hosted free activities including afternoon tea, information, massage, Tai Chi and one-to-one advice.

Entertainment was provided by the Haworth Ukulele Band, while food was provided by Chris Herd Butchers, Central Hall and numerous volunteers who made cakes and treats.

The event, which has grown out an annual activity at Farfield practice in nearby West Lane, was attended by more than 200 people.

Volunteers were personally thanked by Jane McCarter, Modality’s Carers Lead-in-Practice, who led the organisation of the day.

Dr Andy Parsons, the Modality chief officer, said: “To be able to say a big thank you to all the carers without whom we would struggle to do our job is truly our pleasure.”

Surplus food was donated to the Sangat Centre’s Friday night food project.

Involved in the day were organisations including Carers Resource, Hun Tun Tai Chi, Keighley Healthy Living, Dementia Friendly Keighley, Bradford Healthwatch, Worth Connecting and Project 6.

Email bill.graham2@nhs.net for information on how to get involved with the volunteer project.

Modality Partnership is a GP ‘super practice’ that operates across the UK, with several Keighley practices involved.