TWO sets of foster parents were given a big thank you - as they brought years of care to a close.

Tom and Mary Ibison are retiring from fostering after 25 years - and 49 children!

The couple, from Whittingham, have decided to stop fostering to spend more time with their own five children.

They were thanked for their efforts by Lancashire's Social Services.

Tim and Josephine Smith, who have fostered 17 children in four years are moving from Lostock Hall because of Tim's work commitments.

Tim has been the chairman of the Standing Conference of Foster Carers and has been involved in the training of prospective foster carers.

County councillor Bob Wilkinson, deputy chair of the council's social services committee, presented the couples with a bouquet in recognition of their hard work.

He said: "I would like to thank them on behalf of the council for the great contribution they have made to childcare over the years.

"Their commitment to caring is to be congratulated as it provides a great role model for those who are considering fostering in the future."

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can contact the Family Placement Team in Bamber Bridge on (01772) 904650.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.