THE Foster Care Co-operative, based in the Malvern area, has just celebrated 15 successful years of placing children with host families.

The agency was created in 1999 by Laurie Gregory as an alternative to other independent fostering agencies, most of which are profit-making firms.

It has grown steadily over the years and now has teams throughout England and Wales, with the main offices in Malvern and Cardiff.

Mr Gregory, who is still the chairman, said: "Quite apart from the morality of it, I wanted to give more children the chance of family life. I instinctively did not wish to start a 'for profit' company and I chose the model of multi-stakeholder and common ownership and registered the company. We have grown slowly by bringing new people to fostering."

Hundreds of children have benefited throughout the years, with a diverse range of new foster carers being approved by the Foster Care Co-operative panel.

On Monday, October 20, staff and carers in Malvern met for a celebratory slice of cake.

Ian Brazier, executive director, said: “Fifteen years is a tremendous milestone for the Foster Care Co-operative. We have created a community of dedicated professional foster carers and a fantastic staffing team to meet the needs of vulnerable and often complex young people, offering them a safe and stable family environment. I am inspired every day by the dedication and commitment of our carers.”