PEOPLE in Kidderminster will be encouraged to become foster parents when a county-wide campaign comes to the town.

Worcestershire Social Services' fostering playbus will be in the town on Wednesday as part of a tour to promote Fostering Awareness Week.

Jan Law, of the county's fostering and adoption team, said there are more than 200 families across the county currently looking after 429 children who are unable to live with their own families.

"Families who foster are very much the main cog in the wheel when it comes to providing either temporary or longer term care for children," she added.

Social Services is running a course this month for prospective foster carers, and have stressed that there are more than 20 children in the county who need permanent care.

The county council provides a financial allowance for carers, also have the opportunity to develop their skills through training and NVQs.

The playbus will be at Kidderminster Town Hall from 10am to 12.30pm on Wednesday.

It will also be at Franche's Co-op store from 1pm to 2.30pm and at Franche First School from 2.30pm to 4pm.

On Monday, 429 balloons, representing the children in foster care, will be released from Worcester's County Hall to launch the week.

More information is available on 0800 028 2158.