A foster carer from Stretham has received a long service award to recognise her work with Cambridgeshire’s looked after children and young people.

Christine Emmings joined carers from across the county to take part in the county council’s Foster Carer Awards Ceremony.

The event is an annual celebration of the local authority’s foster carers and is an opportunity for carers, their children and the children they foster to get together for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Christine’s award marks her tenth year as a foster carer.

During this time she has cared for many children on a short and longer term basis.

One of the young people in Christine’s care recently became a Staying Put placement, giving her the opportunity to stay with Christine as she reaches adulthood.

Cllr Joan Whitehead, chair of the Children and Young People’s Committee presented the awards.

“It was a great honour to join so many of our dedicated foster carers at this event and to celebrate the vital role they play in transforming the lives of local children and young people,” she said.

As she received her award, Christine was described as “having natural warmth, a down to earth approach and great sense of humour which helps the children in her care to feel at ease and settle well”.

• If you feel you could follow in Christine’s footsteps please call 0800 052 0078 or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering and find out more about fostering with Cambridgeshire County Council.