Ian, 37, and David, 35, are both in wheelchairs, and depend on the 60-year-old to meet their basic needs.

Mrs Trotter, of Hedgeley Road, Hebburn, raised them and eldest son Michael, 40, on her own, after her husband Den died of a heart attack 20 years ago, at just 40.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by Eddie Ferguson, a driver for accessible transport service Connect South Tyneside.

He has nominated her for Carer of the Year in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards.

"With the loss of her husband, Pat could have simply curled up in a ball and hid, but instead decided to pick herself up and combat the emotional burden and get on with her life," he said.

"She has devoted her entire life to caring for her sons, which must be very demanding, unglamorous, emotionally draining and incredibly intense.

"She is very much aware of her sons' needs, and she still manages to maintain a good quality of life.

"She takes them out six times a week, which shows that they have a happy and loving relationship. She has never put them into respite care.

"Pat never seems to look for sympathy or pity for her children.

"It seems to me that by focusing on the positives, it has diminished the negatives, which makes her life, and caring for her sons, easier to deal with."

Mrs Trotter said it was "brilliant" to be nominated, especially by Mr Ferguson.

She added: "When you're living your everyday life, you don't expect people to do things like this for you."

* The Pride of South Tyneside Awards, now in their sixth year, are organised by the Gazette, South Tyneside Council and the Customs House.

Ten awards are up for grabs – Carer of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Greener South Tyneside, Sporting Excellence, Top Achiever, Child of Courage, Good Friend/Neighbour, Role Model of the Year, Young Performer(s) of the Year and a Judges' Special Award.

The closing date has now passed for nominations.

Up to 16 Young Performer(s) nominees will get to strut their stuff on stage in a talent show at the Customs House on Wednesday, April 23, and the awards ceremony will take place at the arts venue on Thursday, July 10.