IT all started with a conversation at the Hereford Times Business Awards.

They had been attended by a couple of people in the care industry who said it would be great if something similar could be done in the Health and Social Care sector.

The sector - and, more importantly, the people in it - did not get the recognition they deserved.

And so the 2018 Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards were launched.

Enthusiastically backed by a range of organisations, including headline sponsors The University of Worcester, they showcased the fantastic work being done by carers for private firms, public bodies or in the voluntary sector.

They showed what caring was all about.

Last year was bigger and better.

More entries, more supporters, more awareness, more people attending the gala presentation evening.

At a time when there are real concerns about the huge pressure that Britain's entire social care sector is under, the awards stand out as a beacon of positivity.

Don't ask us, ask the people on the front line.

They continue to support the event because, not only does it showcase what they do as organisations, it really does make a big difference to staff.

It's not a glamour industry, and the hard work and emotional strain on support workers and carers is huge.

Having a high profile event to say 'thank you' for your wonderful work is important.