A CAMPAIGN encouraging more people to volunteer as foster carers has been launched.

The campaign by Durham County Council, which has the slogan 'ordinary people doing extraordinary things', aims to dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding fostering.

Like the rest of the UK, County Durham is facing a shortage of foster carers as the number of children who need looking after increases.

At the same time, fewer people think they would be eligible for the job.

Debbie Jones, head of the children and families service at Durham County Council, said: "People sometimes rule themselves out of fostering thinking they don't have the right background or experience.

"The fact is anyone can apply to become a foster carer, whatever their age or situation.

"You can be living on your own or in a couple, married or unmarried, and you don't have to have experience of looking after children.

"The most important thing is that you are patient and understanding and genuinely interested in children."

The council has produced an information pack for anyone wanting to find out more.

There are currently more than 180 families who foster for Durham County Council, looking after as many as 600 children a year, and the aim is to recruit another 30 carers.

Ms Jones said: "In particular, we need care for children who need short-term breaks, help to keep brothers and sisters together when their families are going through a crisis, and longer-term care for children with difficulties, especially teenagers."

Call Tracey Holliday on (01625) 520369 or 07711 130496