MOVING images captured by unpaid carers have helped create a snapshot of life during lockdown.

Carers of East Lothian (CoEL) launched its making caring visible competition over the summer, inviting members to send in pictures which captured their experiences during lockdown.

They ranged from photographs of first journeys outdoors for adults and children after shielding ended, to family reunions in gardens and siblings helping each other at home.

The winning picture was taken by Kirsty Summers, Dunbar, and featured a rose which had travelled from home to home with her family.

The rose was originally planted in Mrs Summers’ grandmother’s garden.

She said: “When my grandmother died, my dad dug it up and planted it in his garden. Since then it has ‘moved house’ another four times.

“My mother moved in with me permanently when she could no longer look after herself. That was four years ago and the rose moved with her.”

Mrs Summers’ mother moved into a care home at the end of May but still enjoys talking about and looking at photographs of the special rose bush.

Mrs Summers said of her winning picture: “I’ve named the photograph ‘Lean On Me’ for several reasons: because the stems of the rose are so brittle I have let the stems lean over a water feature for support.

“As we age, we will probably need to lean on someone else for support, and, as a former carer, I was fortunate enough to be able to lean on CoEL for support and advice.”

A picture taken by Alex Davey, also from Dunbar, of her four-year-old daughter Caitlin helping her brother Benjamin, six, with his homework received a Highly Commended in the competition.

Jess Wade, chief executive officer of CoEL, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the competition, and shared their images and experiences with us.

“We know the coronavirus outbreak has placed additional pressures on unpaid carers. If you are an unpaid carer who is struggling, please call us on 0131 665 0135 or email us at centre@coel.org.uk. We are here to help.”

The pictures can be viewed on COEL’s Facebook page.