The parents of singing star Gareth Gates have inspired record-breaking numbers of Bradford people to offer themselves as foster carers.

More like them are needed as the number of Bradford children coming into care is rising, against the national trend.

Wendy and Paul Gates led a recruitment campaign after fostering children for three years. More than 130 people responded after their picture featured in Telegraph & Argus adverts taken out by council officers during Foster Carer Fortnight in June.

Mrs Gates said: "It is nice to know we have given them a little bit of happiness - they are lasting memories for these children.

"It is a lot of responsibility but there is lots of help available."

If there are no local places, children needing care face being sent elsewhere in the country.

Alison O'Sullivan, Bradford Social Services Director, said she was thrilled at the response to the advert but asked people to come forward.

"I am very unhappy that more than 60 children are placed in children's homes outside the district and another 70 are in private foster homes," she said.

There are 170 foster households caring for 322 children in the district. The target is to find places for a further 58 children by 2005. At any time, 30 to 50 children are waiting to be adopted.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, portfolio holder for the community, hopes to involve people who are unsure if they have relevant skills or qualifications.

He said: "Fostering these vulnerable young people and giving them a second chance, even if only for a limited time, can be very rewarding," he said.

"Everyone deserves and needs the best possible start in life."

Many carers retire, take time out or have a change in circumstances.

Foster carers get training and pay, they do not need to be married, own their own home or have special qualifications.

If you want to know more, call the recruitment hotline on (01274) 754331.