A BIG-HEARTED Cradley councillor, who fosters children, organised a mayoral reception in Dudley for the YMCA to highlight the organisation's work with children in need of a home.

Cllr Richard Body set up the event to help promote a new campaign to boost the number of host families and brought together the Dudley mayor, foster families, YMCA workers and young people who were once in danger of homelessness.

The YMCA Black Country Group's 25 Hosts for 25 Weeks aims to get 25 new hosts signed up by Christmas to help the growing number of children and teenagers in need.

Rachel Taylor, from the group, said 13 new hosts had already signed up.

She added: "Every host is different . We have some in their 20s and others in their 70s but they all have a caring heart and are willing to help a vulnerable youngster from anything from a couple of hours to a couple of months.”

Cllr Body has fostered and hosted for many years and said he had some wonderful experiences.

“Like with anything there are ups and downs but overwhelmingly it has been a positive that I would recommend to anyone."

The mayor, Cllr Margaret Aston, praised the work of the YMCA , saying: “The YMCA Black Country Group does such good work with youngsters who face problems, including possible homelessness, and the host families who open their homes really are very special.”