NINETY people carried out a ‘big freeze’ in Blackburn’s Mall to promote the need for new foster carers.

Current carers and support staff formed two groups that rushed together outside Primark, and on meeting, stopped deadly still for five minutes at 12.30pm.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for children’s services, said the aim was ‘to make people stop and think about whether they could foster’.

She added: “The idea came from something we’d seen on Youtube in America.

“It had a real impact because shoppers were wondering what was going on.

“They were still for five minutes, but it seemed forever.

“Then there was a message over the tannoy about the aim and about promoting fostering in the borough.”

The event was part of the Foster Care Fortnight, which has been launched by the Blackburn with Darwen Fostering Team.

It is highlighting that foster carers come from all walks of life and to help people learn about the difference foster carers make to the lives of children every day.

The council currently looks after 370 children and young people and urgently needs more people to help.

Foster carers have also been invited to the Mayor’s Parlour to leave details of their experiences in the ‘Big Book’ which is on its tour of the North West.

Coun Bateson added: “Although the borough does very well, there is still a real need for more carers in Blackburn and Darwen.

“Foster Care Fortnight will highlight that fostering can be for everyone.

"If you can provide a home for a child then we want to hear from you.”

Find out more by emailing familyplacement@blackburn.gov.uk or calling 0800 3286919.

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