A LUDGERSHALL woman who has fostered hundreds of children has been celebrated after clocking up a remarkable 50 years service.

Joan Parsonage was joined by family, friends, and her foster children past and present, as well as representatives from Wiltshire Council to mark the milestone at Salisbury City Hall on Thursday.

The 76-year-old was previously awarded a British Empire Medal after 25 years of fostering - back then it was calculated that she had fostered more than 100 children. This figure is now thought to have doubled.

She decided to venture into the world of fostering after her youngest son was about to start school and was considering what to do with her time.

"My husband and I talked about it and came up with fostering. I have always been surrounded by children all my life," said Joan. "They were the happiest days of our lives."

Joan who has six children of her own told the Journal she could have seven foster children at a time.

"I don't do peace and quiet. I love it [fostering] - I love the sound of children laughing and playing and just being there," she added. "If you feel that you would like to do it give it a try."

During the celebrations she was presented with a special cake, flowers and a glass vase.

"I am proud and proud to have done this and still being doing this. I will carry on for as long as I can," said Joan.

The importance of fosterers like Joan was summed up by 19-year-old Shannon McKegney, who started living with Joan when she was 10-years-old. She added: "I would say she's more of a mum than anyone and the most important thing in my life.

"It is so important for children like me and important to have someone that loves you. It is something that everyone needs.

"She is amazing. I would say to her don't change - keep going."

Wiltshire Council's fostering manager Matt Dauncey also paid tribute to Joan's remarkable achievement.

He said: “It is just absolutely remarkable. Joan is an incredibly special person to give what she has given and the amount of children she has fostered.

“People like Joan provide incredible things for children in Wiltshire - providing them with a home and love often when they have come from places where there has not been love.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can visit Wiltshire.gov.uk