According to the 2001 Census, about 10 per cent of Oxfordshire's population is a carer - and that figure is growing each year.

In Oxford, the Carers Centre in Cowley Road is in touch with up to 1,500 carers, while the Carers Centre (North & West) is in touch with 3,400 carers and South & Vale 1,500. And these carers range from schoolchildren to people in their 90s.

A carer can be a husband caring for his wife with Alzheimer's or MS, a wife caring for her husband with cancer, Angina or Parkinson's, a daughter or son caring for elderly frail parents, a child caring for his mother with mental health problems, or parents caring for a child with Down's Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy.

And many carers dedicate huge parts of their lives and time to friends, relations and even neighbours, meaning little time left for themselves. So who can help care for the carers?

This is where the Volunteer Befriending Sitting Service comes in.

Alan Steer, volunteer co-ordinator at the Oxford Carers Centre explained: "Volunteers offer between two to three hours once a week or fortnight to give carers a break, by sitting with a cared for' person.

"They may watch television, play cards, chat or even take part in an activity or hobby while their full-time carer takes a much needed break.

"No formal qualifications are needed because training and support are given."

A scheme run by Elaine Gilbert, at North & West Oxon Carers Centre, based in Banbury, was started four years ago after consultation with carers.

It was the first in the country and has been very successful, with 40 volunteers helping 56 carers to access a regular break.

There are now new schemes in Oxford and Didcot which also need volunteers.

Mr Steer said: "There really is no limit on the number of volunteers we'd like to attract - 1,500 would be fabulous and we know there is the need for them - almost every carer we speak to says having a Befriender/Sitter would help them."

Angela Simpson, from Chipping Norton, has been a volunteer befriender sitter to Jean and Jack Porrill, from Charlbury, for a year and a half.

She said: "I've always done some kind of voluntary work, but I heard about Befriending eight years ago and thought I would give it a try.

"I was a speech therapist before I retired and I also cared for my own husband for a time, but you don't need any special experience, you just have to be able to give time.

She added: "I know how nice it is to have a little time off once in a while to catch up on things like shopping, or to have your hair done, or just to have a wander around the shops.

"With Mr Porrill, I just tend to make us a cup of tea and we sit and watch the TV together.

"From a Volunteer Sitter's point of view, you give as much time as you want to.

"It is rewarding because you know you are helping someone, providing a carer with peace of mind and a little time off."

Mrs Porrill, 73, said: "Jack has Parkinson's Disease and dementia and while we do most things together, having a few hours to myself once in a while is nice.

"Angela is a lovely person and her help means I can pop out, do shopping, or even have a relaxing massage, knowing that my husband is being very well cared for.

"It would be great if more people came forward and offered their time."