FOSTER carers and their families from all over the county have received a Christmas treat.

More than 270 foster carers and foster children enjoyed some festive fun at Flamingo Land, near Pickering.

The event came about after the county's High Sheriff, Caroline Thornton-Berry, asked Fostering North Yorkshire to suggest a way of recognising the hard work of foster carers across the County. A full day of activities at Flamingo Land entertained children from toddlers to over-16s. The county's executive member for social services, Caroline Patmore, said: "It was a wonderful occasion and I'm absolutely delighted that the High Sheriff has taken such an interest in the council's drive to provide youngsters with a safe environment in which to bring up these young people."

Mrs Thornton-Berry said: "As a magistrate who sits on the family panel, I have a real admiration for the work done by foster families and the social services staff.

"As High Sheriff, this was a great opportunity to say thank you, and one which I am pleased to have been a part of. This was the best day of my year in office on behalf of the community.

"It was wonderful to meet so many remarkable people who foster children. Watching the children made Christmas come alive. The delight on the faces of the youngsters was magical, a real family occasion."

The day was organised by Susannah Boothroyd, fostering and adoption marketing manager, Ros Shannon, service manager with North Yorkshire County Council's social services, and Melanie Wood, marketing director of Flamingo Land.