CARE FEATURE: Huguette Potten could not have children herself - but by becoming a foster parent she has been a mother to more than 47.

The 63-year-old from Grange Park found out about fostering through an advert on TV.

She expected it to involve two- or three-week spells, possibly looking after children while their parents were in hospital.

But the first child she looked after had severe learning difficulties and ended up staying with her for seven years.

Mrs Potten has been asked many times why she does it and how she copes.

She said: "It's been a very, very rewarding thing to do. It's lovely because we still see many of these children and receive Christmas cards and the odd phone call."

Mrs Potten's first foster child is now 16 and has moved away because of his special educational needs, but the family visits him and takes him on holiday.

Mrs Potten added: "I feel very privileged. Having been our first foster child, we've been able to build up such a wonderful relationship."