PENSIONER Joan Whittaker has been recognised for her 18 years of service to the Alzheimer's Society.
Miss Whittaker, 78, of Golcar, received a society regional award from its deputy chairman, Irene Kerr.
Miss Whittaker was a founder member of the Huddersfield branch.
She set up and was on the committee of the Forget Me Not respite club for carers of people with Alzheimer's disease, which met on Saturday mornings.
Miss Whittaker now helps out about six hours' a week as a facilitator at carer support groups.
She first became involved with the branch while caring for her mother - for whom she gave up work - and then her sister, who also developed Alzheimer's.
The awards ceremony took place at the Hotel Du Vin in Harrogate.
The awards were created to acknowledge and thank volunteers, paid staff, committee members and carers for all the time and dedication they give to support people with dementia and their families.
The Huddersfield branch supports more than 1,000 carers in the district.
