Lancashire County Council’s bin collectors will be encouraging people to become foster carers as part of a new campaign.

Fostering adverts will adorn the side of recycling vehicles in the county, including in the Pendle borough, promoting the rewarding experience of taking in children in car.

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children and families, attended the official launch of the signs on Wednesday, July 19, along with members of the council's fostering teams and representatives from the other councils.

Vehicles in Pendle and Lancaster are already proudly promoting Lancashire fostering whilst Preston and West Lancashire's vehicles will soon follow suit.

Cllr Towneley said: "It's a wonderful initiative and I'd like to thank my cross-district colleagues for supporting our county-wide fostering initiative by allowing us to use their vehicles to spread the word.

"Finding stable, loving homes in which children can thrive lies at the heart of what we do in Lancashire's children's services, and this is an eye-catching new way to remind people of a life-changing vocation which makes all the difference to a child's life.

"Lancashire County Council's foster carers form a unique fostering family made up of a strong, comprehensive network offering regular social events, activities, and financial support.

"We are delighted to work with Pendle, Lancaster and West Lancs Borough Councils to share this important message and anyone interested to join our fantastic team and make that difference to a child please get in touch to learn more about the possibilities that fostering brings to all parties."

Pendle Council leader, Cllr Asjad Mahmood, said: “We’re delighted to work with Lancashire County Council to encourage more people to come forward and become foster carers.

“They are absolutely crucial to the work that children’s services do to keep young people safe. Together, we can make a real and positive difference to many lives.”

Those who wish to find out more about fostering with Lancashire County Council, and the generous allowances available and package of support and training,  are asked to visit lancashire.gov.uk/fostering or call 0300 123 6723.