CYCLISTS from a fostering service are taking on a 120-mile ride to encourage more people to become carers.

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

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

Every year, 35 new foster carers are needed in County Durham and it is hoped the event 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."