A brownie from North Petherton has won a poster competition, with a design encouraging more people to consider fostering in Somerset.

Nine year old Grace Pear, from the 1st North Petherton Brownies, won outdoor clothing and equipment for herself and her pack for her 'Make a Difference' fostering poster. She was presented with her prize, a certificate and her finished poster by Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council at North Petherton Community Centre.

Cllr Frances Nicholson said: "I'd like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Grace for her winning artwork and to all the young people across Somerset who took part in the competition; we had many fantastic entries. It is so encouraging to see young people embracing the idea of 'helping others in their community'. We hope others will be inspired to support 'Fostering in Somerset' in the same way."

Adrienne Parry, 'Snowy Owl' for the 1st North Petherton Brownies said: "We are delighted by the efforts of all of our brownies, who enthusiastically took part in the Somerset-wide competition.

"It was lovely to see the girls really thinking about other children, whose families may not be in a position to look after them and how they could help find them great Foster Carers.

"Moreover, I am absolutely thrilled for Grace – her family and whole pack are very proud of her indeed."

By fostering with a not-for-profit service like your local authority, you can ensure that more of the council's financial resources go into supporting Somerset's children. Visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk, phone 0800 587 9900, or come along to one of Fostering in Somerset's information events at Costa Coffees around Somerset. The next sessions coming up are:

Wednesday 18th July Shepton Mallet 7-9pm

Tuesday 14th August Bridgwater 7-9pm

Tuesday 11th September Wells 7-9pm

If you're not in a position to foster, you can help spread the word. Display a poster for us, 'like' the Fostering in Somerset Facebook page or follow @fostersomerset on Twitter.