FAMILIES tucked into a variety of goodies at a specially arranged picnic to thank them for fostering.

Foster carers, their families and more than 100 children they care for attended the picnic, which was hosted by Worcestershire County Council's Fostering and Adoption team at County Hall recently.

There were a range of activities organised for the picnic, including football, storytelling, disco and dance, play equipment, a bouncy castle and face painting.

"The picnic was a great success and the weather was fantastic too," said Debbie Key, the county council's fostering team manager.

"Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. We held the picnic in celebration of the invaluable work that our foster carers do.

"Foster carers look after children so that families have a chance to sort out their problems.

"These can range from short-term illness to mental health difficulties, drug or alcohol abuse."

Worcestershire County Council needs 25 more fostering families to help them provide children with the foster family that will suit them best.

The council is particularly keen to hear from anyone willing to offer a home to older children, teenagers and brothers and sisters.

For more information about fostering, ring freephone 0800 028 2158.