A FOSTER carer has been recognised by Gloucestershire County Council as a woman who has really gone the extra mile for children in her care.

Anne Clayton from Cirencester is a single foster carer who has been fostering for two years and has three grown-up daughters of her own, who have all left home.

She is currently fostering a 15-year-old girl, who has been with her for a year.

Anne said: “I’ve always worked with children and it seemed a natural progression to start fostering.”

Fostering social worker Helen Todd said: “Anne has the ability to turn things around for the girls she cares for.

“She’s built up a good relationship with them and helped them feel good about themselves.

“Since being with Anne, the girl she is fostering is doing really well at school and has lots of friends.

“Anne doesn’t think she is doing anything different to other foster carers, but she is!”

Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member responsible for vulnerable families, said: “We have a tremendous network of dedicated foster carers who all do a fantastic job so it is always hard to highlight particular carers.

“However we felt Anne deserved some extra recognition for her commitment to vulnerable children. “I am really grateful that local business Jesse’s Bistro is donating lunch to give Anne a really special day.”

Anne is taking the friend who first encouraged her to foster for the meal where she will be presented with some flowers by her fostering social worker, Helen Todd.

Andrew Parffrey, manager of Jesse’s Bistro, said: “We are very happy to support foster carers in the county.

“They do such an important job to care for vulnerable children and I’m sure Anne will really enjoy her lunch with us.”

GCC needs more foster carers throughout the county. For further information on fostering, please call 01242 532654 or go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering.