The amazing efforts of foster carers in County Durham have been lauded at an awards ceremony.
Durham County Council has held its Foster Carer Awards Ceremony, an annual event to recognise the work of foster carers and celebrate their achievements.
Foster carers were recognised for completing national training qualifications and long service.
Four foster families were also given Special Achievement Awards for going the extra mile in caring for children and young people.
Thursday night’s celebration at County Hall in Durham was organised by the county council’s fostering service.
More than 70 people joined in, including authority staff and members led by chief executive Terry Collins, corporate director of children and adult services Rachel Shimmin, cabinet member for children and young people’s services Cllr Ossie Johnson, and chairman of the corporate parenting panel Cllr Peter Brookes.
John Angus and Keven O’Shea, who are long term foster carers for three children, received a Special Achievement Award.
John said: “This is the first Fostering Awards Ceremony we have attended and we were overwhelmed!
“We see fostering as something normal that we do, but being recognised for everything we do for the kids is just amazing.
“Fostering can be challenging sometimes, but to us it’s the best thing we have ever done, we love having the children as part of our family.”
Florence Coulter, the council’s fostering team manager, said: “Foster carers make a real difference to the lives of the children and young people that they care for.
“We have amazing carers in County Durham and these awards are our way of saying thank you for everything they do.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can contact the fostering service on 03000 269 400 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering