Keighley couple Mohammed Azam, 51, and his wife Saira, 48, are more than just a statistic.

Having been foster parents for around two years, they currently care for three children, aged six and seven years old.

Living in Ashleigh Street, the pair decided to become foster parents after doing such a good job raising five of their own children, who have since left home.

Originally from Pakistan but moving to Keighley in 1966, Mr Azam said: "We decided to become foster parents because of all the sad children out there.

"We wanted to give something back, make a difference.

"To become a foster carer is worthwhile -- it has been a positive thing for my family.

"I would recommend becoming a foster carer because although at first the children may be sad due to their background, it is worth it," he added.

"Foster children and our own children are different of course, but we treat them no different -- giving them love, food and education."

Mr Azam said that social services staff were always on hand to offer support and advice.

He said: "They offer financial support and are there if we have any problems.

"We have regular meetings with them every three months and can telephone them for advice.

"They offer training too, on how to handle children with behavioural problems."

Emphasising the flexibility of looking after children from different backgrounds, of differing ages and for periods of time to suit the carer, Mr Azam added: "We look after children for relatively short periods, so we will have more foster children come to us over time.

"We definitely enjoy it.

"The love you give to children is always given back to you. I worked very hard with my own children and it's the same with my foster children.

"We treat them as our own."

The Azams are backing a new government drive to recruit more foster carers.

This initiative includes sending publicity packs to local authorities to help them recruit foster carers; plans to expand existing national helpline support and a new national award to recognise the valuable role foster carers play.

A three-year grant is also available to encourage people to consider fostering and highlight the work of foster carers.

Jean Baker, senior care manager at Bradford Council's adoption and fostering Unit said: "In most cases we prefer looked-after children to be placed with foster carers rather than in children's homes because it provides a family environment, one to one attention and the potential for longer term stability.

"This means we always need a large pool of foster carers so we can match children up with the most appropriate families, including black and Asian households.

"At present we are particularly in need of families who can offer immediate short to medium-term placements for young people aged 12 and over."

May 10 will signal the start of Foster Care Fortnight.

Foster Care Fortnight 2004 is co-ordinated at a national level by the Fostering Network, the UK's leading charity for all those involved in fostering.

The annual event will involve a publicity campaign and events carried out by local authorities and other fostering services across the UK.

Its aim is to encourage people to consider fostering and to highlight the work of foster carers.

Jean Baker added: "Foster Care Fortnight gives us the chance to put fostering in the spotlight and explain its benefits, both to children and potential carers.

"Our existing foster carers see their role as a very rewarding one, in which they can offer children and young people a home while their own parents are unable to look after them.

"It gives families a chance to sort out their problems, which can range from a brief illness to depression.

"We're looking for foster carers from every different cultural and racial background, and we particularly welcome inquiries from black and Asian people," she said.

Anyone wanting more information about the process of becoming a foster carer should contact the adoption and fostering unit on 01274 434331.

Factfile

There are no age limits for foster carers.

It doesn't matter whether a potential foster carer has children or not, is single, married or living with a partner, or is in or out of work.

Neither does race, religion or sexuality matter.

There are many different types of fostering, including short break fostering, support care, emergency fostering, short-term fostering and long-term fostering.