Foster couple Stephen and Ann Ahern who have looked after dozens of children over the past 13 years, have become the first carers in Hull to receive a free computer in a council scheme to help children in care do better at school.

The PCs, complete with top-of-the-range educational software linked to key stages one and four of the National Curriculum, will be sent out to 170 foster carers in the coming months in the city.

"The computer will be a very valuable asset in the children's education, as computers are something the kids are really into," said Ann, of County Road South, who is pictured (above) with director of Kingston upon Hull City Council social services Jan Didrichsen.

"I feel it will encourage them with their school work as the software enables them to learn and have fun at the same time," she added.

It is hoped, in the future, there will also be the added benefits of Internet access and a link to the National Grid for learning.

The benefits package includes increased payments, generous child care allowances, out-of-hours support and training leading to NVQ qualifications.

Mr Didrichsen said: "We are very serious about raising the achievement of looked-after children and at the same time we want to ensure our foster carers are offered the best possible package of support and benefits. This scheme will help to achieve both these aims."

He added: "Eventually we will have an Internet link with each foster family which will bring us in to the 21st Century.

"We have made a good start - 50 carers will have computers before Christmas and all carers will have computers within the next two years."

Story and picture used courtesy of the Hull Daily Mail