FOSTER carers from across Dorset have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The ceremony, held in Weymouth, was organised by Dorset Council to recognise the hard work and dedication of foster carers in the county.

Awards were given out to those who had been foster carers for a significant length of time including one for someone who had been a foster carer for 49 years.

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted national director for social care, was the keynote speaker for the event. She said: "It’s a pleasure to be somewhere that shows rightful appreciation to people who are so dedicated to looking after children in our care. Fostering is such a crucial role and so this is a night about celebrating and looking forward.

"It has been lovely talk to everyone tonight and I’d like to say very well done to you all for your commitment to Dorset’s children."

Dorset Council currently has almost 200 fostering families who provide a stable home for a young person and give them a chance to lead a safe and fulfilled life. Every 20 minutes a child comes into care in need of a foster family in the UK and the council said that there are still not enough families in Dorset for the county’s children.

Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education, skills and early help, said: "Lockdown has been a tough time and I take my hat off to everyone who has rallied round our children, thank you for everything you have done to support them.

"Our focus is on keeping local children close to their schools, friends and birth families. Thanks to our local knowledge, good connections to essential services and 24/7 wrap around support, we’re best placed to find great foster carers for children and young people across Dorset, but we always need more.

"If you think you could consider fostering, please contact the team. You don’t need to commit yourself at this early stage."

Dorset Council said it wants to hear from people from all walks of live who are interested in fostering and said it will provide all newly approved carers with a training and support package to equip them with all the skills and knowledge they need to become great foster carers.

Anyone who is interested in fostering can find out more from the website www.fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com or call 01305 225568.