Tory leader David Cameron says Carers are ‘unsung heroes’.

Responding to the ongoing We Care campaign, Mr Cameron paid tribute to 'the fantastic job' done by those in the unrewarded role.

Their tireless efforts saved the British economy £50bn a year, making them ‘some of the most valuable people’.

There are an estimated 6m carers in the UK, many of whom get no financial help.

Growth in the number of elderly and disabled people with care and support needs is expected to put huge pressure on services and the benefits system.

Speaking to the Echo at the Conservative Party conference, David Cameron said carers are: ‘unsung heroes.’

‘If carers gave up caring in the British economy it would cost us £50bn a year, so they are some of the most valuable people. They do a fantastic job and at pretty great risk to their own personal health.’

The Tory leader, whose young son cerebral palsy requiring round-the-clock care, said: ‘I certainly wouldn't describe myself as a carer, I'm lucky I can get extra help.’

‘Ask many carers what they need most of all and many, many of them will say I just need a break from time to time, and I think we need to prioritise that.’

Earlier in the year, plans were unveiled by the Government to double the amount of respite care for people who look after relatives as part of a 10-year plan to improve the lives of carers.

But charities were disappointed that improvements to carers' benefits in the UK have not yet been finalised.