Being a foster carer can be a challenging role, but it is also hugely rewarding. Long-term foster carers often speak of a sense of pride in seeing children develop and flourish.

And, in terms of practicalities, there is a fostering allowance as well as good support and training for those who provide a home for a child in need.

Hundreds of children have seen their lives turned around after being placed with a long-term foster family. Ellie (15) is just one of those children.

"I have lived with my foster family for six years and I have found foster care to be a life-changing experience. My foster parents give me so much love and support, they have taught me so much. I am so thankful for everything, I couldn't be happier.

"In foster care I have done so many fun things that I'm so grateful for, I have travelled the world, we have gone to concerts, we go on family trips out and sometimes we get spoilt.

"When I first came I was so scared I didn't know what to do and I didn't know anyone. But my foster parents made me feel so welcome. It has made me want to become a social worker so I can help other young people who are in the same situation as me."

Connor came to live with his foster family when he was 10 years old. Now 15, Connor looks back at five years that have changed his life for the better.

"I think foster care is amazing. I prefer foster care now that I am older because I understand it more now. While I have been in foster care I have travelled to different places, done loads of activities and I'm involved with the Air Cadets.

"I have had loads of support from my social worker and my foster carers. I can talk to them about anything and we go on really nice days out. I just feel like one of the family."

There are many children like Ellie and Connor, including a number of sibling groups who need to be kept together, waiting right now for a long-term foster family who can offer a loving and stable home for the rest of their childhood.

We consider each application on an individual basis so you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity or religion.

However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use.

If you feel that you could offer a long-term home to a child or sibling group, apply to foster today at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering or call our friendly team on 01522 554114.