At an event to celebrate to contribution of fostering to the life of South Lanarkshire, carers from across the area were presented with awards acknowledging 10, 15 and 25 years of support.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: "The work our foster carers do in helping nurture and shape young people’s lives is nothing short of incredible.

“In some cases, the young people they are caring for have complex needs and require a great deal of patience, empathy and understanding.

“Having the opportunity to meet some of our remarkable foster carers recently was truly inspiring.”

Fostering provides a stable family life for children and young people who cannot live with their birth family.

Sometimes it may only be for a few days or weeks until the young person’s family are able to care for them again.

On other occasions it may not be possible for the young person to return home, in which case alternative arrangements are made either through permanent fostering or adoption.

The week is the first week of Foster Care Fortnight – if you are interested in fostering you can find all the details on the council website.

Professor Sengupta added: “If you feel you have the skills and qualities needed to be a foster carer, please get in touch with our Family Connections team as they will answer your questions and provide you with all the support you need.

“As well as transforming the lives of young people, it can also have a hugely positive impact on your own.”