HUNDREDS of youngsters in Southampton are desperately seeking foster parents to provide a loving home.

Figures show 410 of the city's children are in foster care - representing a 46 per cent rise in the in the last five years.

Now leading children's charity Barnardos has launched a national campaign to help children yet to be placed find a stable family home.

The group's Change A Life campaign urges would-be carers to sign up as foster carers to help vulnerable children who often find themselves in care due to neglect and abuse or if their parents are sick.

It is being supported by TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex) star Debbie Douglas who has fostered more than 250 children.

She said: "Fostering has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I’ve done in my life. I’ve had so much joy from watching vulnerable children blossom and thrive when they are in my care.

“I know from being a mum that every child deserves the best start in life. You don’t have to have any special skills to foster, just be able to offer a child a loving home.”

Homes are particularly needed for youngsters harder to place including older children, siblings and those with disabilities.

Contact 0800 0277 280 or see barnardos.org.uk/changealife to get involved.