MALVERN hosted the final date for Worcestershire's fostering fortnight.

A group from the county council's fostering and adoption team have been touring the county trying to get 40 more families signed up to look after children.

They handed out balloons and leaflets to shoppers at Waitrose last Friday marking the climax of the recruitment drive.

"We've been very pleased with the response today and over the past two weeks the phone has been ringing," said social worker Pam Crawley.

"In Malvern we are particularly interested in hearing from families who can look after teenagers and older children. More generally we need more families who can help sibling groups.

"We're looking for people with parenting experience and who have more time to give up to a child, perhaps whose children have grown up and left home.

"Carers get support from social workers, training and allowances to cover costs.

"It's a wonderfully rewarding experience and well worth it," she added.

Anyone interested in learning more about fostering and adopting can call free on 0800 028 2158.