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A scarecrow display has been created to help recruit foster carers and adopters in Leicestershire.

The installation can be seen at Heather Scarecrow Festival after it was made by Leicestershire County Council’s fostering and adoption team.

It is hoped by the authority that the display will help to start conversations about finding permanent homes for the hundreds of children and young people currently in care across the county.

The festival is being held at the home of Heather St John's Football Club in Ravenstone Road until Sunday.

Visitors can also get more information about fostering and adoption from a stall in the clubhouse.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families at the county council, described the decision to foster or adopt as "a selfless act".

She said: "Fostering and adoption isn’t always an easy topic to discuss, but the number of children in care across Leicestershire is increasing, so we want to talk to more people about it.

"Our scarecrows showcase our ‘We Are Family’ ethos, and while we hope attendees enjoy seeing them, we also hope that they can generate some conversation."

The authority said more than 730 children and young people are in care across Leicestershire, and over 50 children are waiting for their forever homes through adoption.

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