FOSTER carers have been honoured at a ceremony for helping to turn vulnerable children's lives around.

They received praise at the annual Foster Carer Awards Evening staged by Hartlepool Council’s Fostering and Adoption Team in the town’s Grand Hotel.

Sixteen carers received special recognition after being nominated by professionals they work with for making an exceptional contribution to the life of a child they have looked after over the last 12 months.

Councillor Chris Simmons, chair of the council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “The role played by foster carers in looking after children in this town is crucial and it is fitting that they should be recognised in this way.

“Thanks to their invaluable support and expertise, a lot of children facing very difficult circumstances have seen their lives turned around.

“The citations relating to each of the award winners were very moving and they highlighted an unbelievable level of commitment, with carers regularly going above and beyond what is expected them to try to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children they look after."

The Special Recognition Awards went to Lisa and Simon Stuart, Gaynor and Andrew Briscoe, Catherine and Stephen Colledge, David and Janet Eglintine, Marie Harper, Jackie and Dennis Lamb, Christine Dee, Joy and James Odgers and Ann and Thomas Wilson.

Brian and June Gowland received a 30-year service award, 25-year service awards went to Karen and James Tate and Mick and Margaret King and ten-year service awards were presented to Carole Archibald, Lynn and Russell Chamberlain, Sarah Longmoor and Janice and Geoffrey Hutchinson.