A foster parent is encouraging empty nesters to consider fostering to 'fill the void' and make a difference.

Michael Gavin, 70, and his partner Robert, became empty nesters as their eldest son, originally fostered through Orange Grove Foster Care and adopted in 2008, headed off to university.

Mr Gavin said: "Empty nesters are well-suited to fostering because of their life experiences but you’ve got to be careful you don’t just jump into it because you’re lonely.

"You’re not doing it for you, you’ve absolutely got to do it for the child."

Mr Gavin and his partner felt welcomed from the start of their fostering journey and have supported various children, teenagers, and parents and child groups, maintaining contact with many.

Mr Gavin said: "Fostering in any capacity is a truly wonderful thing to do, but by working with parents and children you can provide advice and guidance to keep families together.

"We’ve seen parents overcome addiction and other hardships, working tirelessly to provide a good future for their children, even if it wasn’t easy in the beginning."

"The reward with fostering is in the results you achieve, and I think that’s true of any type of parenting."

The need for foster parents is urgent, as there is more than 80,000 children in care in the UK.

More information about fostering and Orange Grove Foster Care can be found on agency's website.