For Gary and Debbie Barker, who were not ready to give up parenting, fostering was the best decision they could have made.

They have been foster carers for the past two years, and have one 14-year-old son who has been a part of their family from day one.

Mr and Mrs Barker, both 49, from Marks Farm, would encourage anyone with the time and space to give children the love they deserve.

Mr Barker, from Dapifer Drive, said: "We have one daughter who lives in Spain and 21-year-old Abbigale who has come back from university, so we had time and room to foster.

"We weren't ready to give up parenting and wanted to help children who need guidance, love, attention and care.

"We were in a position to be able to offer that as my wife is a nursery manager, and we just love children and all the things we can do with them, like going to theme parks."

As well as taking care of their son for the past two years, they offer respite care to other foster carers and look after their children when they need some time alone.

They said the most rewarding thing has been watching their son change his life around.

Mr Barker said: "When he came to us he had 30 per cent attendance at school and he now has 100 per cent.

"He was in trouble but we have talked to him about everything and mentored him and just shown him the love he hasn't had.

"He's a lovely lad and it's good to see him enjoying life, getting on with everyone.

"He enjoys everything a teenager would but his life is centred around football, he plays for his local team.

"He's become a part of our family and we have fabulous social workers at Essex County Council who help us."

Foster Care Fortnight began on Monday, May 16 and will run until Sunday, May 29.

Mr Barker said it is a worthwhile commitment.

He said: "It's a rewarding thing to do, to help a child who is in a circumstance through no fault of their own.

"It's worthwhile watching them thrive, it's not without challenges but bringing up a child isn't."