A woman who gave up work to care for her brain-damaged brother has received national recognition for her dedication.

Debbie Rainford, 33, was presented with a trophy and a plaque at The Savoy Hotel, London, by actor Peter Bowles and actress Alison Steadman.

She had been shortlisted for the Carer of the Year Award for her "outstanding devotion and care" by Headway, a national charity which supports people with brain injuries and the families who look after them.

Debbie, from Ferring, gave up her job at London and Edinburgh Insurance, Worthing, to look after her brother Grant, who just over five years ago suffered serious head injuries after crashing his mountain bike on the Downs.

He spent 13 months in Southlands Hospital, Shoreham, before being allowed home. Debbie has since been his main carer as Grant's condition slowly improves.

Ian Ward, of Headway, said: "Grant's brain injury changed his life and the lives of all his family dramatically. Debbie provided emotional support for her parents, helping them through the distressing period while Grant remained in a coma.

"Even now, Grant needs 24-hour care and Debbie has put her career on hold to spend as much time as possible with him."

Debbie, who is helped by a part-time carer appointed by social services, said: "I have always been close to Grant. People say to me 'I don't know how you do it' but I just do. It is something I want to do.

"If it happened to me I would hope somebody would do it for me. I think it is going to be a lifetime commitment."

Grant's father Tony, 65, of Seamill Park Crescent, Worthing, said: "We would be lost without her. In the early days we were so distraught she more or less took over.

"The family would like to congratulate her on this prestigious award and say how proud we are of her.

"She has been an inspiration to us and we are so grateful she has always been there for Grant."

Debbie said the night at The Savoy was fantastic, adding: "It was a very emotional day."

Although Debbie did not win overall, each of the three people shortlisted received an award.