TWO kind-hearted foster carers who have fostered more than 100 children, been recognised in the New Year's Honour List for Services to Children and Families.

Ian and Linda Greener from Taunton have both been awarded MBE's for their 20 years of dedication.

And now they are hoping to offer inspiration to potential carers in Taunton to consider a career in foster care.

The fostering heroes, who work with Foster Care Associates (FCA), were nominated by two people who had been in their care.

Mrs Greener said: “I have the best job in the world and this recognition is just the icing on the cake for myself and Ian.

“We've had the opportunity to make positive differences to dozens of young people in our care by providing opportunities and encouragement to give them confidence and grow.

“Thanks to Foster Care Associates we've been provided with all the support and training needed to be able to meet the needs of all our looked after children and young people, whatever their situation.”

And the fostering passion runs in the Greener's family especially for their daughter who is a qualified social worker who also works in foster care.

Deborah Hathaway, from FCA Taunton added: “We are immensely proud of the incredible work done by our foster carers, and to see Ian and Linda's dedication to the children and young people they have looked after recognised in this way is wonderful.

“Foster carers are often the unsung heroes of children's services, but the work they do can make a profound and positive difference to the lives of children in their care.

“We hope that this prestigious honour will help to inspire potential future carers in Taunton to consider this rewarding and life-changing career.”

Anyone interested in fostering is invited to a recruitment information event at FCA's office Fitzwarren House at Queen Street in Taunton on February 2 between 10am-2pm.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with the FCA, call 08000-234561 or visit thefca.co.uk