A charity has celebrated 25 years of fostering children.

The Foster Care Charity (FCC) in Malvern, Worcestershire, has provided homes for more than 1,300 children since 1999.

The charity, formerly known as the Foster Care Co-operative, said many of the children had stayed with their foster families until adulthood.

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The average length of time a child remains with their FCC foster carers is more than three years, which is significantly higher than the national average.

The charity said this gives children the "stability, care, and love they need".

Sumerjit (Sam) Ram, CEO of the charity, said: "As we celebrate our rich history, we are mindful of the sad fact that there are more children than ever in the care system, all looking for loving homes.

"To put it in some perspective, on average, eight referrals per day were being received in 2008 and now we receive 310.

"We believe that every child has the right to experience a loving home and we remain committed to making that a reality for as many children as we can."

The charity said 35 per cent of its carers had been fostering with the FCC for more than 10 years, with some fostering for more than 15 years.

One long-term carer said: "FCC has been there for us throughout our fostering journey.

"It’s rewarding to see children grow, knowing we’ve made a lasting difference."

The charity said its focus had always been on "children feeling part of a family and having a place that they can call their home".

One of the children told FCC: "I never knew what a real family was until I lived with my foster family."

The charity received a 'Good' rating in its 2024 Ofsted report.

Ofsted inspectors said: "Carers are committed to the children and the children have developed trusting and meaningful relationships with them as a result."

The charity is now calling for more people to join them in fostering and helping children in need.

Anyone interested in fostering can contact the charity on 01684 892380 or visit their website at fccharity.org.uk.