SOCIAL services are hoping Prestwich and Whitefield people will come to the rescue during national Foster Care Fortnight.

In the borough, the council is aiming to recruit an additional 20 foster carers, especially for older children, teenagers, groups of brothers and sisters and for disabled children.

The campaign runs from Monday (May 10) to May 23 and experts estimate that nearly 8,000 more foster carers are needed in the UK.

Diana Powell, family placement team manager, said: "We need more foster carers so that children who need to be looked after at times of family difficulties can remain in the borough, close to their family and friends and to their school. It is very important that brothers and sisters can remain together rather than be separated.

"There are many types of fostering, regular, short planned breaks at the weekend, and also temporary or permanent. Whether people are single, a couple, with young children or adult children of their own, working or not working, there are many opportunities for people to help make a very real difference to children's lives by becoming a foster carer."

For more details and an information pack, contact the team on 253 5457.