THE tireless enthusiasm and energy of Somerset County Council foster carers in helping turn children’s lives around has been celebrated at an awards event.

More than 120 foster carers attended the authority’s annual awards ceremony, supported by social workers, the cabinet member for children and families Cllr Frances Nicholson, and Julian Wooster, the authority's director of children’s services.

Four fostering households were presented with long service awards for their commitment to Somerset children.

Of those, Denis and Sandra Green were commended for 25 years of fostering.

Mr Green said: “I can’t believe that we’ve achieved this.

"For us it started when our own children were age eight or nine – Sandra herself was one of nine children – and we just wanted to see what we could do.

"We couldn’t have dreamed we would still be fostering 25 years later.”

George and Kathy Hedger were applauded for their 15-year career as short break carers.

Mrs Hedger said: "I think if people are considering whether to foster, they should just give it a go.

Mr Hedger said: “It’s been very nice to receive our award, very good.”

Mrs Nicholson said: “We owe the individuals and families who foster our children a real debt of gratitude, and I’m so glad so many of them were able to enjoy the celebration.

“Around 500 children are currently looked after in Somerset.

"Around three-quarters of them need caring for by foster carers, to help them through tough times, through periods of upheaval or crisis, or to support families to help them stay together.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who fosters for Somerset.

"We urgently need more people with the same determination and enthusiasm to be there for our children.”

A Somerset County Council spokeswoman said: "Whatever your circumstances, sexuality, gender, ethnicity or income, it’s what you have to offer a child we care about most."

A Costa Coffee evening on two specialist schemes – Stepping Stones for teenagers who need mentoring to independence, and Short Break Care for children with disabilities – is being held in Yeovil on Monday, April 25, from 7pm to 9pm. Phone 0800-5879900 to book your place.