Sir, - I'm sure all unpaid carers looking after their loved ones will be sad to learn that Moray Carers Project will be closing its doors on February 29 due to lack of income.

I have been a registered carer with them for many years, before Quarriers won the contract from the council, and it has been extremely sad to see them trying to keep going under such difficult circumstances.

They have tried over the years to be innovative in their "caring for carers". We had days out arranged for us, a popular one being a coach trip for Christmas shopping to Inverness every November. To shop without having to push a wheelchair or worry about your cared-for was bliss. On the journeys it was also a time to chat with other carers and discover life for some was even more difficult than mine.

Another memorable outing was to RAF Lossiemouth. A trip by train from Dufftown to Drummuir and then the seven-mile walk back was less memorable, due to the blisters and aches and pains next day, but the remembrance of that walk with the other carers, and how we all helped each other make it back to Dufftown, will stay with me.

Moray Carers offered a free counselling service, before or after the death of our cared-for. Hopefully this may continue. I do hope so.

The Digital Story Project was created by them to help communication and understanding among carers and the community, while acting as a positive process for the people involved. This I can attest to, as I was one of the carers who took advantage of this project, which was organised by their young cameraman and editor, Will Burgess. The videos can be viewed at http:

/vimeo.com/channels/135533.

These films have been compiled into one DVD and can be forwarded to any individual or organisation; all they ask is a donation for postage. Your local library may even have a copy.

Thank you to all the staff at Moray Carers, past and present, for their determination to improve the life of carers. We will miss you. - Yours etc,

Val Ireland

Glenochty,

Auchnarrow,

Ballindalloch.