The awards, hosted by Dorset Council on Saturday 10 October, allowed the children’s achievements to be honoured and the work done by foster families to be recognised.

Held as a virtual event this year, 87 certificates acknowledging the children’s successes were still given out – albeit by post. The awards also recognised the brilliant achievements of Dorset Care Leavers, including recent university graduations.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help, one of the ceremony’s hosts, said: “Brilliant, bold, amazing, wonderful, brave – these were just some of the words used to describe our children in care and our care leavers. I am so proud of them all.

“The awards also gave us the opportunity to pay tribute to our wonderful foster carers and their families, who provide such brilliant care and support to our children. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. It was a very moving occasion, full of very well-deserved tributes.”

The ceremony featured a display by Dorset Music Service and tributes made by Cllr Parry, Matt Prosser, chief executive of Dorset Council, Theresa Leavy, executive director for People – Children, and Jo Thompson, fostering engagement officer.

Dorset Council welcomes potential new foster families. Find out more by visiting fosterindorset.com or @fosterindorset on Facebook, or search #FosteringPays on social media.

In addition, the council holds drop-in chats about fostering on Zoom. The next one will be on Friday 16 October at midday and the Zoom meeting id is: 880 942 6959.