Moves are being made to encourage more people to become foster parents.

The fostering team of Gateshead Council is holding an open evening on Wednesday, August 28 at 7pm in the town's Civic Centre, to provide more information about fostering.

In July, the council cared for more 200 children in foster homes or residential care.

Many of the children will eventually return to their parents but secure foster families are needed in the interim.

Some children need permanent new families, either through long-term fostering or adoption.

The information evening aims to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider fostering and to learn from experienced carers.

Linda Green, the council cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I would urge as many local people as possible to come to our information event - to find out what an enriching experience fostering can be.

"People who are single, in couples, from different ethnic backgrounds, or who are unemployed, are all able to foster children."

For more information about the event and fostering generally, call the council's family placement team on 0191-433 8333.