A CHARITY is to train foster families to take care of the children they care for online.

Barnardo’s Fostering and Adoption North East is to buy equipment for a technology training room at its base in Chester-le-Street after being awarded £25,683 from a supermarket giant.

The donation from the Morrisons Foundation means carers can be taught the skills they need to safeguard the children in their care.

Ann-Marie Henderson, Barnardo’s Fostering Operations Manager, said: “All children can be at risk of sexual exploitation when going online and interacting with strangers, even if they have a supportive home environment.

“What can start as an innocent and harmless chat with a ‘friend’, can very quickly develop into a dangerous relationship with devastating consequences.

“That’s why it’s crucial carers can make the children they foster or adopt aware of the dangers online and explain how to keep themselves safe”.

The Morrisons Foundation distributes funds generated by the sale of carrier bags.