YOUNGSTERS living in foster care or children's homes can now support and entertain each other through a new interactive website.

The site has been developed by the Young People's Consultation Group, which is made up of six North Yorkshire teenagers in care, in conjunction with the county's Connecting Youth Culture project.

Up to 300 young people are being encouraged to contribute to the website with news, reviews and creative writing. The site also contains games and a what's on guide.

Young people leaving care are also encouraged to use the site.

The website, www.4ypincare.co.uk, follows the production of a leaflet, designed by the young people, which explains about being in care to children who are fostered.

Councillor Caroline Patmore, the council's executive member with special responsibility for children's services, said: "The group is contributing to services for young people in care by helping us to develop policy and influence our procedures. They meet councillors on a regular basis to inform them about what it's like to be in care in North Yorkshire."

Jerry Barnes, service and quality development officer with social services, said: "They decided on the content of the website which includes games, reviews, a what's on guide and the opportunity to submit articles and poetry, and they will be responsible for updating and progressing it."