FOSTER carers Moira and Tony Morris have really gone the extra mile for youngsters in their care.

Recognising their achieve­ment, Cinderford florist Irene's Flower Shop last week presented Moira with flowers and the Speech House Hotel treated Moira and her daughter to tea in the Orangery.

Moira, 67, and Tony, 72, Morris have been fostering for 38 years. They started fostering when their own children were small and there was no-one for them to play with.

Since then, they have fostered countless children and have adopted two children – who are now grown up. They are currently caring for a 9 year old girl.

Moira said: "We've enjoyed most of it. There have been hard times and it seems children have more problems now than they did when we first started fostering, but we still enjoy it. We've made some good friends too."

Cllr Paul McLain, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for vulnerable families, said: "We have a tremendous network of dedicated foster carers who all do a fantastic job so it is always hard to highlight particular carers.

"However we felt Moira and Tony deserved some extra recognition. I am chuffed that local businesses the Speech House and Irene's Flower Shop are donating these gifts to give Moira a really special day."

Peter Hands, director of The Speech House Hotel, said: "People like Moira and Tony deserved to be recognised for their unstinting work for such a great cause. The Speech House is delighted to play its part in recognising their work and they thoroughly deserve it."

Sadie Kilby from Irene's Flower Shop, said: "We are very pleased to be able to donate flowers to Moira. Moira and Tony have worked so hard and are so dedicated to the children in their care. I really hope Moira enjoys her treat."

Gloucestershire County Council needs more foster carers throughout the county, however if you live in the Forest of Dean and want to find out more about how to become a foster carer, you might want to come along to an open information evening at the Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, GL14 2AB on Thursday, February 23 from 7pm-9pm.

For further information on fostering, call 01242 532654.