ADVICE about becoming a foster parent is being held in Chelmsford on January 18.

Essex County Council are hosting the event at the County Hotel in Rainsford Road.

Starting at 11am, members of the authority's fostering recruitment team will be on hand alongside experienced foster carers to provide information.

Dick Madden, county councillor responsible for families and children, said: "If you’ve been thinking about fostering then call in to one of our events for an informal chat and to meet some of our existing carers."

For more information, call 0800 801 530 or visit www.essex.gov.uk/fostering.