AS Newport's foster team launch a recruitment drive, a survey revealed that many people mistakenly believe they are unable to become carers.

Newport Gwent Dragons stars Nathan Brew and Hal Luscombe helped to kick off a family day in John Frost Square on Saturday at the start of Foster Care Fortnight.

As well as lots of fun activities, the city council's fostering team were on hand to answer questions and hand out information.

An ICM opinion poll released today, commissioned by the Fostering Network who co-ordinate the special fortnight, showed three-quarters of people questioned in Wales counted themselves out of fostering unnecessarily when they could be helping to meet the shortfall of 750 foster carers across the country.

Jane Butler, the director of Fostering Network Wales, said: "The opinion poll shows there are still lots of myths about who can foster and who can't. This means that children might not get the best carer for their needs.

"Welsh people have so much to offer to our vulnerable children. What a shame so many of them rule themselves out of fostering when, in fact, they might be just the people we need."

Newport fostering officer Lynne Hocking said the purpose of Saturday's event was to raise awareness and, in the process, recruit more carers.

There are about 150 foster carers in the city and about 300 looked-after children. "We are always desperate for more foster carers," she said.

New carers are given initial training and there is then a rolling programme of further training. They are appointed a link worker and out-of-hours support is provided. Ms Hocking said they also organised social events and activities.

"We place a lot of emphasis on the support and retention of foster carers."

Foster carers can be married or single, in their 20s or 60s, and live in a flat or house as long as they have room for a child.

Throughout the fortnight, there will be an information stand in the Kingsway Centre and the Argus will also feature carers in the city talking about their experiences.

* For more information about fostering in Newport, contact Freephone 0800 587 8208, 01633 235425 or email fosteringandadoption@newport.gov.uk