SELFLESS sisters described as a 'tower of strength' to their family have won the Plymouth Young Carer of the Year Award.

Angelina and Anastasia Benson, of Yealmpton, were presented with trophies by city charity Friends and Families of Special Children.

Anastasia, 12, and Angelina, 14, helped support their grief-stricken father Chad and 13-year-old autistic brother Sam after their grandfather died.

Their mum Alena had to take an emergency flight home to Singapore for the funeral.

She said: "I am proud of my two girls and for what they have done for me, their father and Sam.

"Chad would have been at breaking point if not for these two girls' courage and selfless love. My worries were less while I was in Singapore because Chad told me they were a tower of strength.

"They are only young but they became adults."

The girls did all the housework as well as supporting and comforting their father and brother.

The annual awards, supported by The Herald, celebrate unsung heroes who dedicate their time to looking after family members and friends.

The event, now in its seventh year, is run by Friends and Families of Special Children and the Plymouth branch of Carers UK.

Kay O'Shaughnessy, of Carers UK Plymouth, said: "The efforts of carers who devote their time for free to looking after others are too often forgotten.

"The awards are about celebrating the achievements of deserving individuals of all ages, as well as using the occasion to highlight support available for carers across the city."

Margaret Mahoney, Rosemarie Barnes and Anthea Tompa have been presented with the 2011 adult Plymouth Carer of the Year Awards.

A carer is defined as anyone who devotes time to look after a family member or friend with disabilities or special needs.