GROWING up with eight brothers and sisters proved the perfect training ground for foster mum Jo Smith.

Jo and her husband Tim, a former youth worker, have three children of their own but usually have at least six pottering around their Lostock Hall home.

The couple have spent the past two years providing support to foster children who need time out from their own families.

Jo who's studying for a maths degree, explained why she does it: "It's wonderful, really great fun," she said.

"We love it. All the children are different and they each bring something different to the household."

At the end of their stay most of the youngsters usually go back to their own families but Jo insisted it wasn't a painful experience: "You know all along it's only short-term," she said.

Jo's own children don't mind sharing their parents with others. Said 12-year-old Vicky: "I don't mind sharing my toys. And there's always have someone to talk to!"

Jo and Tim have fostered around ten children in the past two years, some short-term and other long-term placements, don't leave until they are ready to set up home themselves.

Jo and Tim are helping the Social Services Family Placement Team recruit more foster parents at an open evening at Cottage Lane Nursery in Bamber Bridge on February 19 starting at 8pm. For details, call 629307.

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