The "hidden heroes" who look after elderly and disabled friends and relatives have been offered a safety net by the Government.

Chancellor Gordon Brown announced that Sussex councils will receive an extra £680,000 to give unpaid, round-the-clock carers a break in times of crisis.

The money, which is earmarked for home-based respite care in 2007/8, comes on top of the £5million already allocated for care in the counties.

West Sussex County Council will receive an extra £312,000, East Sussex County Council £245,000 and Brighton and Hove City Council £124,000.

The handouts were part of a multi-million pound national support package for carers unveiled by the Government this week.

It included: * £25million for providing short-term home-based respite care for carers in crisis or emergency situations.

* £3million towards a national helpline for carers.

* £5million to support the development of an expert carers programme to give practical advice on moving and handling, first aid and medication and carers' rights.

* A wide-ranging review of the 1999 national carers strategy.

Ivan Lewis, minister for Care Services, said: "Millions of people in this country are hidden heroes who keep families together through their support and devotion.

"Our carers often provide care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, taking on that precious role that enables a friend or family member to stay at home and live with the dignity, independence and security the rest of us take for granted.

"This army of carers do not want to give away their family responsibilities. Equally, they want Government and local services on their side ensuring the necessary care and support is available to maintain their family's quality of life.

Mr Brown said: "Every one of the carers I have met is an inspiration and refutes a widespread cynicism that in today's society selfishness matters more than service to others.

"And having listened to their stories and the challenges they face, I know we must and will do more in the years to come to help."

Over the past decade the Government has introduced carers' grants and the right to request flexible working. It will shortly introduce the carers' pension credit.

But, writing in a national newspaper, Mr Brown admitted the Government had "not done enough" to recognise and support carers.

He wrote: "I know we must do more in the years to come."