Two Cumbrians have been featured in an exhibition of portraits of care workers.

The exhibition, Every Day is Different, which was commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care depicts care workers and the people they support each day.

Shining the spotlight on Cumbrian carers are Alex and Liam. Alex fostered Liam, who has Asperger's Syndrome, when he was10 years-old and has been caring for him ever since.

Once Liam turned 18, the pair moved into Cumbria Council's Shared Lives programme so they can continue developing Liam's independence.

Alex said: “I’m passionate about providing care and love helping Liam. My sister Maria is my support carer, and together we can help him as a family which suits all of us very well.

"When I first met Liam, we focused on developing his social skills, and I was delighted to find out he had a real talent for playing the trumpet. I’m so proud of him for working to achieve his dream of becoming a professional trumpeter.”

The portraits show care workers with the young, old, people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or a mental health condition. They celebrate the companionship and affection that care workers across the UK provide to the people who rely on them.

Caroline Dinenage, Minister for Care, said: "These portraits capture the compassion and dedication of some of our brilliant care workers. Care work can be physically and emotionally challenging but if you have the right values it can also be hugely rewarding - 96% say their work makes a difference to people’s lives. I think these photos really represent that."

The exhibition is the finale of a two month long campaign that aimed to attract a wide range of people to consider a career in adult social care.

Lyn Romeo, Chief Social Worker for Adults at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: "I started my career in adult social care 40 years ago working as a care assistant. We have hundreds of thousands of people working in the sector but we need more.

"These powerful images demonstrate just how vital a profession in care work is, and what a positive impact care workers can make on people’s lives - I hope they inspire people to look into a career in care."