A FOSTER carer has been named one of the 25 winners in a national award scheme.

The Believe in Me Awards are the first of their kind in England where children and young people nominate an adult who they believe has gone that extra mile to make a real difference in caring.

Yesterday it was announced that one of the winners was Alice Potts from Houghton-le-Spring.

Lorraine Knowlson, who is being fostered by Mrs Potts, said she had nominated her because: "She looks after all my needs and when I need support she is always there for me.''

"If it wasn't for Alice, I don't know where I would be. Instead of being at college and having a great life, I probably would have been abused even more.

"Alice makes me smile and think in the right directions. She'll always be my idol, my life, my best friend and my star. I will always love her.''

In honour of the occasion, the City of Sunderland's Social Services Directorate is treating Mrs Potts, her husband and Lorraine to an overnight stay in London prior to the award ceremony tomorrow at London's Claridge's Hotel.

The winners will receive their awards from the young people who nominated them.