Two The Only Way is Essex stars have thrown their weight behind a fostering initiative

Woodford Green residents Debbie Douglas and Lydia Bright are support charity Barnado’s fostering week campaign.

The mother and daughter duo, famous for appearing in ITV’s hit reality show TOWIE, are urging Redbridge residents to consider becoming foster carers.

Figures show there were over 10,000 children living in care in London last year.

Lydia Bright, who is expecting her first child, said: “Fostering has many benefits, not just for the foster children themselves but the whole foster family.

“We’ve been so lucky to have so many foster siblings while we have been growing up. As well as being great fun, it taught us a lot about making friends and how to be kind to others.

“I truly can say that it’s been a wonderful experience and I hope many families across the UK will consider finding out more from Barnardo’s about how they can help.”

Douglas, added: “Going into care can be really frightening which is why it’s so important that foster carers are there to give love, support and stability to a child during such a difficult time.

“As a foster mum, I find it so rewarding to see what a positive difference having a happy, loving family to come home to makes to the life of a vulnerable child.

“With the number of children in care going up again, it’s vital that more people come forward so that families can be there for children when they need one.”

A new Barnardo’s survey of the charity’s foster carers revealed seven in ten would recommend fostering to others.

Nearly half intend to continue welcoming children into their families for as long as they are able.

The survey also found that more than 84 per cent of foster carers say they do so because they want to make a difference to the lives of children in care.