REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has praised the county council after its first countywide fostering picnic was hailed a great success.

Worcestershire County Council's Fostering and Adoption Team staged the event as part of a campaign to recruit more foster carers.

More than 240 foster families and the 450 children they care for were there, with Ms Smith and county Councillor Liz Eyre.

Activities included football speed tests, beat the goalie, storytelling with puppets, live music, radio DJ workshops, a bouncy castle and face painting.

An artist started work on a huge fostering family picnic blanket made up from a small square of fabric donated by each child who wanted to take part.