A KIDDERMINSTER foster carer of spoken of his rewarding job of looking after vulnerable youngsters amidst appeals for more people to take up the role.

Dad-of-two Michael Green has also been a foster father for four years and, alongside his wife Adele, takes care of two girls on a long term basis.

And, despite the challenges and hard work involved in the role, he said helping the children in his care grow in confidence and reach their true potential was very satisfying.

Last month, The Fostering Network said that more than a 1,000 new foster families across the West Midlands were urgently needed to take in youngsters and give them loving and supportive home environments.

Mr Green, whose own children are six-year-old Mason and Dawson who will be two next month, said Adele’s mother Marilyn Downing – who has fostered for Worcestershire for 33 years – inspired them to become carers themselves.

He said: “I have been fostering for four years and have loved every minute of it. I really enjoy what I do and find the children, training and work I do very rewarding.

“Being a male foster carer can be extremely daunting, especially when attending training courses or forums that are attended by mostly females.

“Being a male foster carer used to be unheard of, but now is an ever growing thing as more and more men are signing up to become carers.

“I enjoy attending training courses and feel that in the last four years my knowledge and understanding of children, their behaviour and also the losses and grief they endure and go through is undeniably heart-breaking.

“This is where we as foster carers step up and try to help them turn their lives around and get the start in life they need.

“We have two girls living with us on a long term basis and have watched them grow from timid little girls into thriving, confident and lovable little ladies.

“Most carers will admit that our job isn't easy, but the rewards and satisfaction that we get from helping looked after children achieve their potential most definitely outweighs the struggles and obstacles that we will always encounter, with not only looked after children, but children in general.”

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can visit www.worcestershirefostering.co.uk/ to find out more information.