ANYONE thinking about becoming a foster carer in Lancashire is invited to find out more on Wednesday, October 18.

The information evening at County Hall, Preston, is to be take place from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Members of Lancashire County Council's fostering team, as well as social workers and foster carers, will be on hand to answer questions, talk you through the process, and offer advice.

The county council has recently increased the allowances payable to new foster carers so they can now expect to receive between £241 and £415 per week for each child they care for.

People who have considered fostering before but weren't sure they could afford it are advised to come along and find out if it could now be viable.

County councillor Susie Charles, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "With around 20 Lancashire children needing homes each week, we need to recruit new foster carers.

"We have increased our allowances to foster carers this year in recognition of their valuable role in providing loving homes for the children in our care. There is also a rising demand for placements with more children and young people coming into the care of the local authority each week.

"We are looking for people who can foster all ages of children, particularly siblings who need to stay together and teenagers. No formal experience or qualifications are needed, all we ask is that you have a spare room available and a desire to make a difference to a local child's life."

If you're unable to come along on the night, call the fostering recruitment team on 0300-1236723 or visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering.

There is no need to book for the event - simply just turn up, but please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Free parking is available on the Arthur Street car park, next to County Hall, and the Pitt Street entrance is accessible for disabled people.