A mother who gave up her job to become a full-time carer to her disabled daughter has been named charity ambassador of the year.

Charity volunteer Mary Rogers, 60, from Fixby, has been appointed Ambassador of the Year for the national Carers Trust charity.

Mary beat 80 other ambassadors appointed by the Carers Trusts earlier this year to take the top title.

Now she’ll be a guest of honour at The Co-operative’s Charity of the Year Ball on December 5.

The ball, at Event City, Manchester, will be attended by Carers Trust patron HRH Princess Anne.

Mum-of-two Mary is a full-time carer to her daughter Elizabeth, 33, who has Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.

She’s also a volunteer fundraiser and event organiser for Leeds Road-based Crossroads Care Mid-Yorkshire which provides direct support for carers in Kirklees, Halifax, Wakefield and Leeds.

Mary’s ambassador role will involve working in communities to raise awareness of the charity’s work.

The Carers Trust partnership with The Co-op has raised around £4m which funds desperately needed breaks, information, advice, support and services for 14 to 25-year-old carers.

Mary said: “Young lives in our community will be changed and inspired – caring is 24/7 and together we can continue to make a difference.”

Ms Rogers added: “It’s a real privilege and it’s been terrific working with the Co-op.”

Terrie Oakshott, Carers Trust fundraiser for the North, said: “Mary has travelled across the county being an ambassador for Carers Trust. She is so welcoming, warm and accommodating and I think she really deserves this award.

“Mary is an ambassador 24 hours a day, seven days a week for Carers Trust. As a carer herself Mary really understands the difference that the money raised by the Co-operative’s staff, members and customers will make to the lives of young adult carers.”

The UK has around 7m carers – 500,000 of which are aged 14 to 25 – caring for friends or relatives with disabilities, illnesses and addictions.

For more information visit www.co-operative.coop/charityoftheyear