CORONATION Street star Sam Aston has lent his support to this year's Foster Care Fortnight.

Bury-born Sam, who plays Chesney in the ITV soap, is fronting a campaign to encourage more people to become foster carers on behalf of Foster Care Associates.

There are 50,000 children in foster care on any given day in Britain and 32,000 foster families. However, this is 8,000 less than needed. In the north west alone, it is estimated there is a shortage of 1,700.

Foster Care Fortnight runs until Monday, May 28. To find out more about fostering visit www.iwanttofoster.com .