MORE foster carers are needed to cope with a rise in the number of children and young people coming into care.

More than 500 children and young people are looked after by foster carers across Worcestershire but the county's fostering service predicts it will need to recruit a further 30 fostering households this year to meet demand.

More families are needed to replace the 12 per cent who leave each year and also to ensure there is enough variety for children to find foster carers that are right for them.

Councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children and families, urged people to come forward.

She said: "Lots of people; couples, singles, men and women from all walks of life, professionals and non-professionals from rural and urban settings, can and do successfully foster – but we always need more.

"In particular we would welcome people who could consider offering placements for teenagers or sibling groups, as it's often a struggle to place brothers and sisters together.

"The provision of a caring, loving home to support a child when they are at their most vulnerable can make a real difference to their future."

A series of drop-in events will be held for prospective foster parents across the country.

They kick off at Kidderminster Library between 10am and 12.30pm this Saturday with future events being held at The Hive on Saturday, March 8 and Redditch Library on Thursday, April 10.

More details are available at isfostering4me.co.uk or at facebook.com/fosteringworcestershire