A prematurely born tot is the 100th baby Sue and husband Dennis, from Uppingham, have fostered for the family placement team at Leicestershire County Council.

The placement team can rely on around 250 families just like the Barnetts, where vulnerable youngsters can get the care they desperately need.

As part of Adoption Week, the county council is now calling on more volunteers to come forward to care for children on a temporary basis. A spokesman said: "There has been an increasing need for foster carers in the last 18 months, for all age groups.
"If we did a snapshot on any one day, there would be around 400 children in local authority care, and about 85 per cent of them would be placed in foster homes.
"We do take referrals from single men and women who want to become foster parents, as well as people who have been divorced, and more traditional families.
"People can also be in full-time employment for some placements, rather than have someone at home all the time, and there are all age ranges. The checks do have to be stringent, and at their quickest take around six months, but we do let people take it at their own pace."

Sue's achievement of caring for 100 foster children has now been recognised with a special reception at County Hall. She said: "We have got two daughters of our own, and after our second daughter was born, I was told I would be unable to have any more.
"It was very difficult at the time because I love children, but then my sister-in-law suggested fostering. We got our first foster child in April 1973, and have been doing it ever since.
"We find it extremely rewarding. There really is no better thing in the world.
"We have only ever had babies, and from the moment they come you have to tell yourself they are not yours. The hardest part is knowing you are going to have to give them back, but I'd really recommend fostering to people. You get so much out of it."

Matthew, 23, is Sue and Dennis' adopted son. He was five months old when he was placed with the family.

He said: "It's nice someone is saying thank-you. They don't do it for financial reward, but because they love children."

County council chairman Anna Pullen paid tribute to the couple. She said: "All foster carers do an excellent job. Some help for a short period of time, and others like the Barnetts, with their exceptional skills and endurance, give a lifetime of caring for children."

To find out more about fostering in Leicester, call the family placement team on 0116 275 9255.