SIR – My wife and I became foster carers 12 years ago after our own two children had left home. I can safely say there is nothing to match the priceless rewards of watching children from difficult backgrounds flourish under your guidance.

Hundreds more foster carers are urgently needed across Yorkshire and Humberside, for children of all ages, but especially teenagers.

Without more foster carers, children face moving a long way from their family and friends and being split up from their brothers or sisters.

I feel proud to have been able to make a difference to the lives of so many children. Foster Care Fortnight has just raised the profile of fostering, but new foster carers are needed all year round.

I would urge anyone who has ever thought about fostering to get in touch with their local fostering service today, or visit couldyoufoster.org.uk or call Fosterline on 0800 0407675 to find out more.

Eric Mole, foster carer and trustee of the Fostering Network, Blackfriars Road, London