Portmouth City Council has launched a major recruitment drive to attract more selfless people to join their books in providing the invaluable service of foster care.

Two such people are Sharon and Paul Blythe (pictured) from Portsea, who have been fostering for three years and would recommend it to anyone.

Sharon said: "It's a very challenging role but your life doesn't have to change.

"It's been very fulfilling and there are no real pitfalls.

The couple have cared for 30 children since they began, with some staying for as little as an evening, while others stay much longer.

This was shown by the first child the couple took into their home who stayed for two-and-a-half years.

Reasons why a child may need a temporary home range from parental ill health to relationship problems.

With the length of stay depending on whether the family prefer to provide long-term or short-term care.

Paul said: "Every child gives you something different. We love children, it doesn't matter who they are."

Taking on the role of foster carers has worked out well for the couple's nine-year-old daughter Natasha as well, who loves having plenty of brothers and sisters around the house.

Paul said: "She certainly got a lot richer from the experience.

"She's always had everything she wanted and it has opened her eyes to the sort of lives other people are living."

To become a foster carer is does not matter whether you are single, married or co-habiting.

Your financial status should not be a factor either, a caring nature and a sense of human are much more important.

To support the council's campaign a video has been produced for potential recruits as as well as a booket - dubbed the 'carers bible'.

Bill Maxted, who recruits foster carers in the city said: "Foster carers provide stability, care and a homely environment and this helps young people to reach there potential."

(Parts of this article appear courtesy of the Portsmouth News)