TWENTY foster families in Blackburn with Darwen are hitting the road in style -- after the council provided them with new people carriers.

Families with more than three children in their care will benefit from the new scheme, which aims to provide foster carers with the same standard of living as most everyday families.

Arlene and Barry Pickup, of Wilpshire and Elaine Pearson, of Tockholes, were the first to pick up their new Vauxhall Zafiras.

Director of Social Services Ken Foote, who handed over the keys, said: "Foster carers provide an invaluable service.

"Transport for day-to day-living and particularly for days out, was highlighted as a problem by our carers who may have children of their own and can't necessarily afford to provide an adequately-sized vehicle to allow the family to go out together."

He said the council was committed to providing quality foster care for children and young people who may need that kind of support and that they had revamped the foster carers remuneration package under the 'Under our Quality Protects' initiative.

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