NORTH Somerset Council is hoping to recruit new ‘local heroes’ to care for teenagers.

The new campaign is aiming to encourage people to foster teenagers, and features a few of North Somerset’s carers, who have talked about their own experiences.

New figures have revealed the council urgently needs at least 15 foster carers to look after vulnerable teenagers from the area.

Figures released by the UK’s leading fostering charity Fostering Network claim that the country is short of 10,000 foster carers.

The campaign is featuring some of North Somerset’s local heroes, like Lynn and Ron Flynn, from Worle, who have been fostering for more than 19 years.

Mr Flynn said: “Looking after teenagers keeps us young. We’re always learning new things and it’s a privilege to help them achieve things they never thought possible, such as their first job.”

North Somerset Council’s executive member for children and young people’s services, Councillor Jeremy Blatchford, said: “Fostering teenagers can be hugely rewarding and we urgently need people with the commitment to care for them. We’ll give you lots of support, help and training.”

There will be a public information stall on foster caring and recruitment at the Italian Gardens in High Street, Weston tomorrow between 10am and 4pm. For further information visit www.north-somerset.gov.uk/fostering