A successful year in fostering has been celebrated in Cambridgeshire with the news that 22 new families began fostering in the region in the last year.

The news coincides with Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from May 16 to 29 which aims to raise the national profile of fostering and encourage more people to become carers.

Jill Blose, service manager for fostering, said: “We have had another very successful year and are delighted to see so many new and experienced carers begin fostering with Cambridgeshire County Council.

“However, we urgently need even more local people to follow in their footsteps and consider fostering.

“We are particularly keen to hear from people who feel they are able to foster older children and young people.”

To be a foster carer you need to be over 21.

Foster carers can be single, married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner.

Applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and from people who have their own children, as well as those who haven’t raised children of their own. You don’t need to own your own home to foster.

Cambridgeshire County Council offers foster carers comprehensive training, 24 hour support and generous allowances.

Carers can also earn additional payments as they develop their skills and experience.