A KEIGHLEY mum has been honoured for her commitment to foster caring.

Mumtaz Begum was recognised in the FosterTalk Foster Carer awards.

Mrs Begum, a foster carer with Bradford Council, was nominated by her daughter Nasreen Akhtar for the care she has given to many children during the past 25 years.

Nasreen said: "I am so proud of my mum. As well as bringing up six children of her own, she has fostered children of all ages over the years and, more recently, has fostered teenagers which can be very challenging at times.

"Although English is not her first language, she hasn't let this set her back and is so brave. She is passionate about children and gives them lots of love and motivation to be the best they can possibly be. Some of the children who have been looked after by her still see her today.

"Even though she is over 60 now, she's still so strong! Rather than thinking about slowing down, she continues to give so much to the children in her care. I'm a student social worker now and that is because my mum has been such a fantastic role model."

Coun Ralph Berry, the council's portfolio holder for children's services, said: “This is great recognition for Mumtaz and the work and dedication that she has shown over the years as a foster carer."

Thornton dads Mark Moorhouse and Nick Dennison also received awards, for the love, guidance and support they give Luke Massey.

Luke, 18, said: "My dads have done everything to help me. They have even moved house so that I can stay with them long term."

Hundreds of foster carers were nominated for awards, which were handed out by Minister for Children and Families Edward Timpson and television chef Lorraine Pascale.

FosterTalk is a national service providing specialist independent support to foster carers in areas such as legal and financial advice and counselling.