Surrey County Council is appealing for people to come forward to make a big difference to disabled children.

The council's fostering team wants people to consider caring for disabled children two or three times a month in their own home. The council already has 36 short break carers who look after 50 children but it is aiming to boost the number of carers to 50.

Peter Martin, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, said: "Short break carers not only care for a disabled child by including them in everyday activities, they also help his or her family get a break. It is a small but vital commitment and I would urge anyone willing to open up their home to get in touch with us."

Disabled babies and children aged up to 18 are looked after by short break carers.

Open evenings will be held at the Omnibus Building, Lesbourne Road, Reigate on 9 May and on 6 June at the Runnymede Centre, Chertsey Road, Addlestone KT15 2EP. Both start at 6.45pm.

Anyone interested in becoming a short break carer can also visit the fostering section on the council's website or ring 08000 969626.