Ref. 30898-15BREWERY boss James Arkell threw open his garden for a party to celebrate the unsung heroes of fostering.

Natural children of foster parents often play a crucial role in helping youngsters in the care system.

Besides mucking in with household chores, they can provide companionship to foster children, who can easily feel isolated and alone.

But the vital role they play in helping children adjust to their new homes is not often recognised.

The boss of Arkell's Brewery hosted the party in his role as High Sheriff of Wiltshire, transforming his garden in Hannington Wick into a mini fairground.

There was a magic roundabout, swings, paddling pools, a Jamaican steel band and lashings of ice cream and cake.

And it was all in aid of children like nine-year-old Tiffany Smith.

Tiffany was adopted by Swindon couple Paul and Sue Smith, and now helps look after other foster children.

"I like having the children to stay and sometimes get upset when they have to leave," she said. "Some are quite naughty, but mostly they are really nice."

Paul, 49, and Sue, 55, currently have three foster children aged between 18 months and 10.

"Tiffany helps with the washing up and helps look after the younger children," said Paul.

"It's a great idea to say thank you for the help she gives."

Paul and Linda Johnson's children Joanna, 18, Shelly, 16, Rebecca, 14 also help their foster brothers and sisters.

"We help mum out with vacuuming and cleaning and give her support," said Joanna, of Cricklade Road.

"My parents have taken in foster children since I was seven, so I am used to it."

Paul and Linda have adopted one of their foster children, Michaela, 14.

She said: "The kids are all really great and we're good friends."

Mr Arkell, who was dressed in traditional High Sheriff attire, said: "We really do underestimate the role of these unsung heroes.

"One family here has helped 131 children in 13 years, so their own children have had to be very adaptable.

"The children can help ease the problems of fostering and do a lot of hard work."

Graham Senior, who heads the family placement team at Swindon Council, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the role such children play.

"They can really make a difference to a foster child."

Tamash Lal