MADAM – It was with a huge cheer that we followed the media coverage about the Duchess of Cambridge visiting foster carers and children, as a guest of the Fostering Network.

Kate shone the spotlight on the brilliant work that foster carers do. Her visit also underlined the desperate shortage of foster carers in the UK.

Gloucestershire is no exception – we need dozens more families in the county to help provide a safe and welcoming home for children who find themselves in care through no fault of their own.

Community Foster Care is one of the agencies to which children with complex difficulties are referred in the county.

Day after day, our band of fantastic foster carers open their homes and their hearts to youngsters who are vulnerable, frightened and in need of love, stability and a safe place to call home. If any of your readers have been considering fostering, there is plenty of help available to get them started.

Hugh Pelham

Chief executive Community Foster Care Gloucestershire