A foster care service has hired out Frome's Westway Cinema and is offering free movie showings in a bid to attract new carers.

More than 65,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families across the UK each day. This is nearly 80 per cent of the 83,000 children in care away from home on any one day in the UK, where there is a serious national shortage.

The Fostering Network estimates that fostering services need to recruit a further 6,800 foster families in the next 12 months in England alone.

So many children and young people that are in desperate need of safe, secure and nurturing foster homes, with more entering the care system than ever before.

Sadly, this issue is exacerbated over the festive period, so it is up to providers like Enhanced Foster Care (EFC) to find new ways to inform and attract potential new foster carers in the Frome area in the run up to Christmas.

Members of the team are hiring out Frome's Westway Cinema on Saturday October 19 at 9am for a free showing of children's film Abominable, and Downton Abbey on Thursday October 24 at 10am.

Sarah Battlebury, registered manager for EFC, said: "Come along with family and friends and find out more about fostering as a career.

"There are many myths about who can and can't foster, but actually we see a really wide cross section – what's important is your attitude and passion. If you've got a spare room and are over 24, then come on down."

Spaces are limited, and it is first come, first served, but you can reserve your places by contacting a member of the EFC team on 01985 218505.