An appeal has gone out for more crisis carers to give vulnerable young people a bed for the night in Bradford.

The district's emergency fostering service Crisis Care - part of Bradford Social Services - is appealing for more people to undergo training in order to join the vital project.

At least three more households are needed to ensure that young runaways aged 11 to 16 have somewhere to stay overnight when they abandon their families.

Support care co-ordinator Sonia Copping said: "This is an emergency fostering service which provides a couple of nights' stay for young people in crisis.

"Ideally people should have experience of working with young people and should be over 25 but really it is about being committed to helping young people in distress."

Jeannie Williams has been with the service for six months and has so far provided a bed and a listening ear for seven children aged 12 to 16.

Mrs Williams, of Idle, who has been a childminder for 18 years, said: "Bradford childminding network organised an information evening about Crisis Care and I went along to see what it was all about.

"I thought that I could not do it at first but I let it simmer for a while and decided to look into it more. I am glad I did, I have really enjoyed every moment of it."

Mrs Williams is on call two nights a week and one weekend every month. The children are dropped off at her house at 6.30pm and are gone again by 7.30am. At weekends they arrive on Friday evening and go on Monday morning.

"They are vulnerable but all they want and is a peaceful haven because they have chaotic lives," said Mrs Williams.

Anyone joining the service would have to undergo training and statutory checks.

To discuss becoming a crisis carer call Sonia Copping on (01274) 435836.