A GROUP of children enjoyed a day out at a top theme park - as a thank you for welcoming foster siblings into their homes.

They were treated to a day at Lightwater Valley near Ripon for their big-hearted approach to their temporary brothers and sisters.

When someone decides to become a foster carer there is an impact on their wider family, in particular on their children - who take an active role in making another young person feel at home.

And Fostering North Yorkshire holds a trip to the theme park every year, as thanks for the birth children of foster carers for sharing their home, their toys and their parents with foster children.

The trip is organised as part of a dedicated support group for the youngsters, Fizzy Fostering, which has been running for seven years. As well as the Lightwater Valley outing, the children also take part in a bowling trip at Christmas.

The county’s executive member for children’s services, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “Many people support the fantastic work that our foster carers do, but it’s vital that we also extend that support to the birth children of families who foster.

“These young people also go through the highs and lows of opening their home to a foster child and this group gives them an opportunity to discuss their experiences with others in a similar situation.”