CARE of the elderly and vulnerable has never been a burning political issue, despite the large numbers of people who rely on such help.

A consequence of this lack of attention is that it has proved all too easy for such services to be either neglected or taken for granted.

The Examiner puts the issue in the spotlight today with the launch of the third Kirklees Carer of the Year competition.

Readers are being asked to put forward the names of deserving carers, many of whom give up work to look after a loved one or juggle their job with caring.

We ask you to give your every support to the competition.