THE balloon will go up at Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster tomorrow in a bid to recruit more foster carers.

Worcestershire County Council's fostering team will be in the town to promote the benefits of being a foster carer.

The presence of the team, at 11am, will give members of the public the chance to find out what is involved.

It is part of fostering fortnight, which runs until Sunday and involves social workers and foster carers travelling around the county in dedicated buses promoting the service.

Sara Castro, the council's fostering team manager, said: "We will be visiting all areas of the county, using posters on buses and launching a car sticker campaign to raise awareness of fostering and to try and encourage local people to consider fostering local children who are in need of a safe home.

"Our theme for this year's fostering fortnight is Help a Child Thrive in 2005.

"We aim to encourage people to come along and visit our stands or call us to find out more about becoming a foster carer."

A total of 25 extra fostering households are needed across Worcestershire.

More information is available on freephone 0800 028 2158.