Actors from the TV series The Bill (pictured) gave their support to Croydon's bid to find more foster carers at the weekend. Members of The Bill's cast, who were filming at Croydon Town Hall, joined the council's fostering team at an information session organised to encourage more carers to join its innovative remand fostering scheme to care for young people remanded by the court for short specified periods of time.

Councillor Paula Shaw, cabinet member for social services, said: "Remand foster caring does require a special person, one who has patience and an good understanding of the problems faced by some young people today.

The work is challenging but rewarding and can make a real difference to the lives of the young people who have for whatever reason found themselves in trouble."

Anyone who would like to learn more about foster caring should contact the Croydon social services foster care team on 020 8660 4844 for an information pack.