An appeal has been issued for people to come forward to offer homes to some of Norfolk's most vulnerable children, backed by a foster carer who says helping them thrive is 'enormously rewarding'.

There are just over 1,000 children in care in Norfolk, with the majority of them looked after by foster carers.

And, to mark Foster Care Fortnight, Norfolk County Council has appealed for more people prepared to be foster carers to get in touch.

The council is particularly keen to hear from carers who could look after sibling groups, children with disabilities and teenagers.

Moira* is a foster carer who has looked after several teenagers. She said: 'When you are caring for a teenager, you have to put them first. It's important to accept who they are and respect them as an individual with a choice and a voice.

'Teenagers need some freedom of choice and to have a say on what's going on in their lives. They need to feel they're part of a family – even if it's not their own birth family – but they also need space and time for themselves.'

She said foster care was demanding and challenging, but there were also rewards. She said: 'When you begin to see a young person change and thrive, it is enormously rewarding.

'Some of the young people I've cared for still keep in touch and it's good to hear how they're getting along and to keep those family links if they want to.'

For anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, Norfolk County Council is holding two free information days.

The will take place at The Forum in Norwich from 11am to 7pm on Wednesday, June 21 and at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Hardwick Road, King's Lynn from 11am to 7pm on Wednesday, July 5.

For more information visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/fostering or call 0344 800 8020.

* Moira's name has been changed for confidentiality reasons.