TV sporting star presents Foster Carer Awards

Ice-skating star and TV celebrity Jayne Torvill was the guest presenter at the 2007 Foster Carer Awards ceremony which was held at Barnsgate Manor near Crowborough on Friday (6 July).

More than 200 foster carers and staff attended the event which is one of a number held during the year by the Fostering Service to recognise the dedication and commitment of those who look after children in care in East Sussex.

As well as full-time foster carers, the event was also for people who help young people through the county's Children's Disability Short Break and Fostering service.

East Sussex County Council's Lead Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Meg Stroude, and the County Council's director of Children's Services, Matt Dunkley also attended. There were eight main award winners and 53 additional awards for carers who had been nominated by the children they have cared for.

The main winners were: .. Ann and Denis Holder, MBE, from Rotherfield (Fostering Service Outstanding Foster Carer of the Year Award - joint winner) .. Gaynor Sherratt from Herstmonceux (Fostering Service Outstanding Foster Carer of the Year Award - joint winner).. Debbie Driver from Eastbourne (Short Break & Fostering Service Carer of the Year):.. Margaret and Cyril Moffatt from Bexhill (Children's Social Worker Award)

Receiving awards but unable to attend the evening were: .. Avril and Barrie Jeffries from Bexhill (Short Break and Fostering Service - Long Service Award) .. Rosemary and Bryan Henley from Bexhill (Short Break and Fostering Service- Long Service Award) .. Ferne and Chris Bowes from St Leonards (Long Service Award) .. Gill and Frank Kinch from Hastings (retiring after 20 years of fostering) The East Sussex Foster Care Association Award was this year given to two social workers, Martin Bellamy from Eastbourne and Anne Buchan from Hastings, for their services to children.