A couple, from Staffordshire, have spoken about their experience of being foster carers as part of a county council drive to find homes for local children.

The council's fostering service is asking people to get in touch to find out more about what being a foster carer involves.

Although many people may be concerned that they don't have the right experience, aren't the right age, work full-time or don't have a traditional family set-up, Burntwood couple, Debbie and Marc Heemsbergen, are proof of the amazing impact fostering can have on the lives of both children and carers.

Marc and Debbie have been fostering for 24 years, specialising in short-term care for young children, and are also raising three children under Special Guardianship Orders.

Speaking about their experience, Debbie said: "When people hear we're foster carers, they often say, 'I couldn't do that.

"But our advice to people is always the same, never rule yourself out until you've had a conversation.

"There are plenty of myths around fostering that put people off, but you don't need to be perfect or have all the answers.

"The training, support and foster carer community are there to help every step of the way.

"Becoming foster carers is one of the best decisions we've ever made.

"Seeing a child feel safe, gain confidence and thrive is incredibly rewarding.

"If you've ever thought about fostering, rule yourself in and find out more.

"You might be surprised by the difference you can make."

The county council is currently looking for 60 new foster families to provide homes for local children and young people.

Su Beardmore, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a stable, loving home, and we need more local foster carers to help make that happen.

"Foster carers like Debbie and Marc show that fostering isn't about being extraordinary, it's about opening your home and your heart to a child who needs support.

"Too often people rule themselves out because they think they wouldn't be eligible or capable of fostering.

"We want people across Staffordshire to rule themselves in, have a conversation with our team and discover what's possible."

Are you interested in finding out more?

Visit the Foster with Staffordshire website or call 0800 169 2061 for an informal chat.