A new scheme has been launched to improve the skills of the people who look after elderly people at home.

Under government legislation, all home-help care workers will require an NVQ qualification by 2004.

The care workers will be taught a range of subjects from food hygiene to first aid. They will also learn how to manage medication.

The new course is funded by the European Social Fund. It is hoped it will improve the standard of care.

Carol McDonald says scheme will help her

Carol McDonald, who works as a home-help, welcomed the new course which will allow her to take her first steps towards an NVQ qualification.

"Going from my experience, you can be really in the dark. I go into houses on occasions and I don't know what to expect.

"If there is training, it gives you a better idea."

Carol calls with 83-year-old Gerard Morgan every day. He said the service she provides is a lifeline.

"You can actually depend on her. If you're in trouble, she'll do something about it," he said.

"This is a most important thing if you don't feel well."

Carol's mother, Sally, used by be Mr Morgan's home-help.

She said the home care sector had changed enormously since she started more than 30 years ago.

"This new training will be brilliant, although I wouldn't want to be doing it myself at this stage," she said.