PANTOMIME stars have helped foster children who are wishing on a star.

Members of the cast of Mother Goose helped to decorate a tree at Harrogate Theatre with stars containing foster children's wishes.

The tree is to draw attention to the county's continuing need for more foster carers.

The theatre has also donated 50 free tickets to the pantomime for foster children and carers.

Councillor Caroline Patmore, the county council's executive member for social services, said: "Caring for children is very demanding and involves a great deal of commitment, but I know from the foster families that there are enormous gains to be made from caring for the young people.

"They can be part of your family for life, bringing the real joys as well as the ups and downs."

Biky Wan, marketing officer at Harrogate Theatre, said: "Seeing the delight on a child's face is what makes our annual pantomime so special.

"Everybody knows that Christmas is a time for families to get together, to celebrate and share their hopes and dreams for the future. For this reason alone, the work that Harrogate Social Services is immensely important within the community and we are delighted to be a part of this."

The council has increased the basic allowance for foster carers to up to £261 for a child over 16.

Anyone interested in learning more about fostering can contact Fostering North Yorkshire on 0800 389 2362.