A plea has been made for new foster parents in the Staffordshire Moorlands to offset a chronic shortage of homes for children aged between 10 and 15 years.

Lyn Wilding, of Staffordshire County Council's fostering and adoption service, said: "Every day there are up to 15 children and young people in the county who need to be placed with foster carers.

"Regrettably, we are not always able to offer an alternative due to the severe national shortage of families prepared to consider becoming foster carers."

Staffordshire has on average 350 children living with foster families. Every effort is made to quickly return children to their homes as social workers and foster carers work together.

The county offers training and the costs of providing furniture and upkeep. For details call 0800 169 2061.