Bikers cooking up support for scheme; Parents urged to give kids a chance.

THEY may be more used to MOTs and BLTs but the Hairy Bikers are calling on families to give youngsters some TLC.

The pair - aka Si King and Dave Myers - are supporting a campaign to benefit vulnerable children and young adults in Newcastle.

They have thrown their weight behind Newcastle City Council's Foster a Future Campaign, which aims to help people wanting to become foster carers.

The motorcycle mad duo, now celebrity chefs, learned about the campaign when they switched on the city's Christmas lights last November.

Si, from Prudhoe, Northumberland, said: "Please give a child a fighting chance and consider fostering.

"There is a great team of people to support you and your family.

"It's a big decision, but give it a go and give a child a loving, secure and happy home, what better gift could you give?" As part of the awareness-raising campaign, volunteers from the city council took to the streets to hand-out out information about Foster a Future.

Leaflets gave links to information about training and support, plus details of payments of up to pounds 400 per child per week..

A city council spokeswoman said: "Anyone can become a foster carer regardless of religion, gender, sexuality, marital status or employment status. All you have to do is give someone a warm and loving home.

"Working with the city council's fostering unit you will be given advice on the different types of placement you can offer from a shortterm stay to something longer." Both Si and Dave, whose television show sees them travel round the world on their bikes cooking up hearty feasts, were on Tyneside for the festive celebrations in November.

They switched on the lights at Newcastle's Monument, where thousands flocked to see the city illuminated for the Yuletide period.

If you are interested in Foster a Future, more information is also available at www.newcastle.gov.uk/fos- tering, by phoning [phone] or email [e-mail]