FOSTER carers are urgently needed to provide homes for children in care in County Durham.

With the numbers of children and families in need of help continuing to rise, Durham County Council’s Fostering Service is appealing for more potential parents to come forward and find out about how they could change the life of a child.

Fostering team manager Florence Coulter said: “We know times are hard and while we provide as much support as we can, we know some families still struggle, and that there are circumstances that require us to find new homes for children, both short and long term.

“When that happens we then need loving people to open their hearts and their homes and look after these young people.

“As a foster carer, you can really make a difference to a child’s life for the better."

Foster carers are particularly needed to care for children on a long term basis and the service is also keen to hear from people who can take care of brothers and sisters, so that they can stay together.

The two information events take place at Durham County Hall, in Aykley Heads, on Saturday 9 July, from 10.30am to 1pm, and Monday 11 July, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

For more information contact the fostering service on 03000 269 400, or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering.