A CAMPAIGN to encourage more people to volunteer as foster carers was launched in County Durham yesterday.

The campaign by Durham County Council, which has the slogan Ordinary people doing extraordinary things, aims to dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding fostering and prompt more people to consider it.

Like the rest of the UK, the county is facing a shortage of foster carers as the number of children who need looking after increases.

At the same time, fewer people think they would be eligible for the job.

Debbie Jones, head of the council's children and families service, said: "People sometimes rule themselves out of fostering, thinking that they do not have the right background, or experience.

"The fact is anyone can apply to become a foster carer, whatever their age or situation.

"You can be living on your own, or in a couple, married or unmarried, and you do not have to have experience of looking after children.

"The most important thing is that you are patient and understanding and genuinely interested in children."

The council has produced a new information pack explaining fostering and providing information about the children who need looking after.

There are more than 180 families which foster for Durham County Council, looking after as many as 600 children a year, and the aim of the campaign is to recruit another 30 carers.

Ms Jones said: "In particular, we need care for children who need short-term breaks, help to keep brothers and sisters together when their families are going through a crisis, and longer-term care for children with difficulties, especially teenagers.

"There is no such thing as a typical foster child, or foster carer."

The campaign was launched by foster carers at Durham County Cricket Club, in Chester-le-Street.

For further information, contact Tracey Holliday, on (01625) 520369, or 07711 130496.