A group of Bradford carers who between them have notched up 500 years of fostering and provided homes for more than 500 children have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, presented certificates to the 23 foster carers in recognition of their hard work and commitment.

Coun Wightman said: "There is an enormous number of children who need love and friendship and spiritual care, and that is what these people are providing.

"Unfortunately there's a growing need for children of all ages to be looked after. We are going to need more fosterers and adopters, and we want our existing families to carry on for as long as they feel they can."

One couple with extensive experience are Edgar and Elizabeth Hellmich.

They have been fostering for 25 years and have provided a home for more than 130 children, many of whom still keep in contact.

"We've always had the same phone number and you can pick the phone up and they say their name and you know instantly who it is," Mr Hellmich said.

"We have some that keep in regular contact with us, but I think the icing on the cake is the children who ring up out of the blue and ask if we remember them - and of course we do."

While none of the foster carers would say fostering is an easy job, they would all agree it is highly rewarding.

Sue Marshall, of Moorside Road, Eccleshill, has been fostering for five years.

"People have said to me they think I must be an angel to do this, but the children make it all worthwhile," she said.

"The children have the potential - we just help bring it out and point them in the right direction. I've learned a lot from them - it's very humbling."

Bradford Council is now looking to recruit 30 new foster carers.

Alison Baker, recruitment and promotions officer, said as well as helping children to achieve a good start in life, foster parents were also paid for their work.

"The Council has made a million-pound investment in fostering services and will be paying the equivalent of a living wage for foster carers," she said.

"It's not going to be an easy job and the children are not always straight forward, but it is very rewarding and you can gain a lot of enjoyment by knowing you are helping children."

To find out more about fostering, call the recruitment hotline on (01274) 754331.