A CAMPAIGN launched in Hartlepool to attract more foster carers has been hailed as a success.

Hartlepool Borough Council launched the campaign two months ago with the aim of recruiting at least 20 new foster carers to meet the demand in the town.

Latest figures show that 130 people have responded to the campaign and expressed an interest in becoming a foster carer.

The campaign, called 20 Reasons to Care, was launched by the town's mayor Stuart Drummond, with support from Hartlepool United stars Richie Humphreys and Joel Porter.

It is estimated there is currently a shortage of 8,000 foster carers nationwide.

Connie O'Neill, fostering and adoption team manager for the council, said: "The response has been brilliant and much better than we anticipated.

"We have tried to get the message across that foster carers come from all walks of life; they can be unemployed or in work, single people or a family unit.

"We have also emphasised that foster caring can be very rewarding and that there is always help and support available."

Foster carers can be with their carers for anything from just one night to a much longer period.

He ultimate aim is to re-unite the youngsters with their own families and foster carers are often part of this process, working closely with the children and their parents.

The first training programme for prospective carers has already taken place with another planned for late September.

Anyone interested in fostering can contact (01429) 284444 for an information pack.