TAUNTON charity worker Carol Sweeting has won a national award for her work helping people in Somerset with dementia.

She topped the Aiming High category in the Alzheimer's Society People Awards for compassionately supporting people affected by dementia to live well.

She runs three support services, two Singing for the Brain groups and a memory café.

Ms Sweeting was presented with the award by Princess Alexandra, Royal patron of the Alzheimer's Society, at a ceremony in St James's Palace, London, when TV presenter, columnist and novelist Richard Madeley announced the winners.

Carol, who is Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia support worker for Somerset, said: “To win an award for Aiming High is a fantastic honour.

"My job is to support people with dementia. Being there for people, and knowing that it is a huge comfort to them, is the biggest reward."