PENSIONERS Peter and Mona Richards are lifelong carers for their 43-year-old son Keith, who has Down's syndrome.

The couple, both in their seventies, said they had to fight for months to get direct payments for him – and they were only granted after a formal complaint and approaching The Herald.

Peter, 71, of Plymstock, a former submariner and Plymouth Crown Court usher, said: "You have a child and he remains a child for life. If we said we couldn't look after Keith any longer, it would cost the council thousands.

"The direct payments system has been a let-down. I'm disappointed, because they'd blown up how wonderful they'd be, and when you actually apply for them they let you down."

Peter said they had been trying to get direct payments for Keith since November and had been turned down – before complaining to the council and approaching The Herald, which also contacted the authority.

He said: "I'm happy we've got the payments – but it was only after kicking up a fuss. We have to fight for everything."

Keith was granted direct payments this week so he could attend city support service Valuing Independence one day a week.

Based in Crownhill, it's a domiciliary care agency for adults with challenging behaviour and special needs.

He also attends St George's and Edith Freeman day centres three days a week – but Valuing Independence offered him something unique, say his parents.

Mona, 75, said: "We're thinking of his life for tomorrow – when we are gone. That's why Valuing Independence is good for him. It was teaching him life skills – paying bills, cooking, making his bed, going shopping."