A DEDICATED foster carer has been rewarded for her years of selflessness at an awards ceremony.

Lyn Richards, from Senacre, Maidstone, who has been fostering for 13 years, was presented with a gold award in the Kent County Council-organised awards scheme.

The presentations were made by KCC chairman, Cllr Chris Capon at a ceremony at the Ramada Hotel and Resort, Hollingbourne. All the carers were nominated by social workers, foster children and friends.

Ms Richards, who was nominated by her foster daughter, said: "The best part about it was that my foster daughter made the nomination. It wasn't a social worker or someone from the outside, it was someone who lives with me every day, which means so much."

Ms Richards was nominated for the care she provides for her youngest foster child. She also has two children of her own and one adopted child.