CALLS have been made for people across Bury to consider fostering in order to avoid having to place children with agencies.

Foster with Bury, run by Bury Council, has launched a campaign with Bury Football Club to help find more people to become foster carers. MP James Frith has voiced his support for their efforts.

There are currently 149 children in mainstream foster care within Bury but 40 children have been placed with agencies because the council does not have enough families to give them a home.

Current figures show there are about 20 more Bury children in placement with foster carers than in April 2017, which shows a seven per cent rise each year on the demand needed for more foster families.

A spokeswoman for Foster with Bury said: "Without more foster families coming forward, and especially those who could foster sibling groups, some children will find themselves living a long way from their family, school and friends, or being split up from brothers and sisters.

"Foster with Bury are calling for people who think they might have the relevant skills and experience to come forward to find out more about fostering."

To be able to foster, you must be a full-time resident in the UK, or have leave to remain, be over the age of 21, and have a spare room.

For more information visit www.fosterwithbury.co.uk, call 0800 9555 311, or email fosterwithbury@bury.gov.uk.