“BEING a foster carer is the best and most rewarding job in the world, there’s no other feeling like it."

These are the words of mum-of-two Paula Halliwell, 44, from Golborne, who has fostered more than 40 children in the last five years with her husband Ian.

All of the children's portraits are hung up on the walls of their house so they will always be remembered.

Paula, who has a 20-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter, said: “We’ve seen many children come into and out of our lives, some for only a couple of days and others for much longer.

"It is sad when they leave – you can’t help but grow attached and loving them. But watching the children return to their family or find a permanent home is a wonderful feeling.

"I can’t imagine not doing foster caring anymore, of not having that feeling of excitement when you meet another child- I wouldn’t change it for the world”.

“All of our foster children, past and present, have enriched our lives.

"They’ve made us stronger and happier. But there are still so many children out there who desperately need a loving home.”

There are 190 foster families in the borough but there is still a demand for many more.

At any one time there are around 50 children and young people in need of a family.

Some are groups of siblings who would like to stay together while others need a long term home ans stability in their lives.

For more information about foster caring visit wigan.uk/fostering.