AN awards afternoon to recognise people who care for and support those with mental health problems will be hosted in Bolton on Friday.

The Exceptional Mental Health Insight Awards (EMHI) aim to reward professionals in the voluntary and statutory sectors who have made excellent contributions to mental health care. The awards are voted for by service users and carers.

The awards will be combined with a day of celebrating mental health as part of World Mental Health Day on Sunday and members of the public are being encouraged to drop in.

Harold Hunter, Chairman of Bolton Patients Council for Mental Health, said: "This is an event that is held every year and is always very successful.

"It is always nice to recognise some of the hard work that goes on in mental health."

The "Open Minds, Positive Minds" one-day event will run alongside the awards and is intended to support people's emotional health.

There will be a wealth of local support on display and a chance to try stress-busting options in music, arts, massage, dance, food and IT.

Before the awards are announced, Bolton Mayor Cllr Prentice Howarth will sign a partnership between Bolton Social Services and the Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Trust to deliver care in Bolton in the future.

The Bolton Patients Council for Mental Health and the Bolton Association of Network Drop-ins are hosting the event.

Chairman of Bolton Connexions, John Seddon, will be presenting the awards.

The event is being held at the Victoria Halls, Bolton, from 10am to 4pm. Visitors are asked to use the Central Street car park entrance.

For more details telephone 01204 521673.