Laura Sandys used her maiden speech in the House of Commons to call for a "fair and responsible" deal for the area's carers.

The Tory MP for South Thanet, who was elected at last month's general election, spoke yesterday during a debate on the planned review of elderly care services.

Ms Sandys, whose mother cared for her father for five years prior to his death, said the government should look again at the respite arrangements for carers and allow pensioners to claim Carer's Allowance.

She said: "Carers can be young or old, frail or healthy, but they're all selfless people whose lives are dominated by the responsibilities they take on.

"Being a carer isn't subject to any working time directive. Carers work full time and are on call 24 hours a day. Their lives are dominated by the needs of others. When helping those with chronic illnesses, they forfeit their livelihood and often their own life."

Ms Sandys, whose speech coincided with the start of the annual Carers Week, added: "Prime Minister David Cameron has said we need to reward those who take responsibility. Never can that be better said than about the six million carers who give their lives and their time to their loved ones."

Ms Sandys also pledged to address the concerns of local people and described Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Cliftonville as some of the "best kept secrets in the county".

She praised her predecessor, Dr Stephen Ladyman, who represented South Thanet for 13 years, as an "exceptionally committed MP" who was "extremely courteous and generous" throughout her time on the campaign trail.