PEOPLE across North Yorkshire are being urged to "help a child to thrive" as part of a major new campaign to boost foster care.

The call comes at a time when there is a growing need for more foster care families to look after youngsters ranging from babies to teenagers.

"These children need temporary care away from their family. It could be for a few weeks or much longer," said the county council's executive member for social services, Councillor Caroline Patmore.

"They have all had different family experiences, ranging from illness or disability to abuse or neglect. Our aim is to find individuals or couples who can give a child a positive family experience for the time they are away from their own parents."

To find out more about fostering in North Yorkshire, a free information pack is available by calling 0800 389 2362.