A FOSTER carer from Workington, who is returning after more than two decades of fostering is encouraging others to get involved.

Karen Speirs, from Workington has fostered over 40 young children and babies since 1999- still keeping in touch with many after they have gone on to their adoptive parents.

Karen said: "That (keeping in touch) is a privelage, I don't take that lightly, I get so chuffed about that."

Karen and her husband Steve have now retired from the fostering after a change in circumstances.

Workington Mayor Herbert Briggs visited Karen and presented her with some gifts for her long service, as well as to raise awareness on fostering in the community.

He said: “I was first made aware of this story being mayor and I felt like this lady needed some recognition- as do many other foster carers in our community.

“Karen has been a foster carer for over two decades and is now finishing for good – me and the mayoress wanted to thank Karen for her service and thought this would be a good way to encourage more people in our community to look into fostering, as Karen says herself it’s a very rewarding path.

“If this story encourages one more person to become a foster parent, then I think it’s served its purpose and once again the mayoress and I’s heartfelt thanks to Karen and all the other foster carers in Workington.”