Foster mums and dads who take on vulnerable children have been praised at their annual awards by Tower Hamlets Council.

The presentations given at Bethnal Green’s Atrium venue recognised the dedication of people like Afia Choudhury, a carer who has looked after 30 children over the past decade.

Afia, who chairs Tower Hamlets Foster Carers’ Association and gives support to other families, received special recognition with the Fostering Network’s prestigious President’s award.

“I love what I do,” she said. “I hope more families can be encouraged to be foster carers and see how rewarding it is to help young people regain their confidence.”

The mum-of-four and husband Kamruz are currently caring for three more youngsters who have been with them for seven years, adding to their own children.

The couple have even extended their home so the foster kids can stay on until they’re adults.

Three couples at the awards received ‘long service’ accolades after notching up more than 60 years of foster care between them. Eight awards were also given to carers for “bringing positive outcomes in a child’s life”.