FOSTER children from across North Yorkshire have been getting into the festive spirit early.

All the county's foster children were invited to submit designs for the annual Christmas card competition.

"As always, the response has been tremendous. Picking the winning cards is never easy," said the county's executive member for children's services, Caroline Patmore.

Fostering North Yorkshire looks after 400 children, from teenagers in care due to family problems to children needing a home after harm or neglect.

Allowances of up to £15,614.77 a year are available to people who successfully qualify as carers.

For details, call 0800-3892362.