STAFF at a local authority fostering service will be clocking up the miles this weekend to give children a better start in life.

The team of nine from Durham County Council is cycling from Berwick to Chester-le-Street - each mile representing one of the 120 children in the county who need a foster home.

The cyclists start on Friday and hope to be back home by Sunday for a barbecue and fun day with foster families.

Every year, 35 new foster carers are needed in County Durham and it is hoped the event - part of Foster Care Fortnight - will encourage more people to get involved.

Team manager Florence Coulter said: "Foster carers play a vital role in helping children through difficult times in their lives.

"All kinds of people are needed to care for children and we hope that by getting on our bikes, more people from all walks of life will think about fostering."