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

The site has been developed by the Young People's Consultation Group, which consists of six North Yorkshire teenagers who are in care, in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council's Connecting Youth Culture project.

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

Young people leaving care are also free to join the site.

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

Coun Caroline Patmore, the council's executive member for social services with special responsibility for children's services, said: "The young people are keen to help each other through projects like the web site and by having an influence over services.

"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."