A CAMPAIGN to address the shortage of foster carers in the region will be launched next week.

Television presenters Davina McCall and Lorraine Kelly are among those who have pledged their support to Foster Care Fortnight.

The shortage of almost 600 foster carers across the region has led to children being moved from home to home, having to live a long way from friends and family.

The campaign, co-ordinated by national charity the Fostering Network, starts next Monday.

Ms McCall said: "Having a child of my own, with another on the way, it is really comforting to know that there are those who care for other people's children in an emergency or crisis.

"I really hope that Foster Care Fortnight encourages many more people, some of whom may have ruled themselves out of fostering for the wrong reasons, to look into applying."

For more information about becoming a foster carer, people should contact their local authority or call Fostering Network on 0207 7620 6400.