Golf pro Wendy Dicks has been teaching youngsters living with foster parents to get into the swing of things at the first in a series of free coaching sessions at Regiment Way Golf Centre, Chelmsford.

Wendy, a regular on the European tour circuit, arranged the taster sessions to help raise awareness of the issue in the run-up to Foster Care Fortnight, starting on May 12.

It coincides with a major drive by Essex County Council to recruit up to 400 new foster carers in the next eight years. The sessions are the first in a series of golfing clinics Wendy plans to hold across Essex.

Wendy became involved in the project after presenting awards to long-term foster carers in Essex last year.

Wendy said: "I'm aware of the need for more foster carers and the fact that many of these children don't enjoy the stability of their counterparts.

"The sessions are twofold. Giving children an opportunity to experience something new and helping raise awareness of the need for more carers."

For more information on becoming a foster carer, contact 0800 801 530.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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