THE Duchess of Gloucester visited Hereford last week when she listened to success stories from children and their foster carers.

Herefordshire Council’s fostering team welcomed the Duchess to Hereford Town Hall where she heard about the work they do to support children and families across the county.

During the visit, one of the county’s young foster children, read a poem about his personal experience of fostering and what it meant to him to have a foster family.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, cabinet member for young people and children’s wellbeing, said: “I was delighted to introduce the Duchess of Gloucester to our brilliant fostering team and dedicated foster carers.

"They all do so much to ensure our children are looked after and given the best start in life, so it was great for their hard work to be recognised during a Royal visit.

“I was particularly pleased to introduce our foster carers who provide overnight respite care for children with disabilities, as part of the council’s new Sleepover Scheme. The Duchess also met some of our children and heard about their positive experiences and the amazing work our carers do on a daily basis.”

Chris Baird, interim director for children’s wellbeing, added that it was was a day to remember for the council's staff and carers who make a difference to the lives of the county’s children and young people.

The Duchess also visited Herefordshire & Worcestershire Group Training in Holmer Road as part of their 50th birthday celebrations.

If you would like to know more about fostering or are interested in becoming a sleepover carer for children with disabilities, please visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/fostering or www.herefordshire.gov.uk/sleepovercarers, alternatively you can call 01432 383240.