Davina asks for your help.

Author Jacqueline Wilson and TV presenter Davina McCall have pledged their support to this year's Foster Care Fortnight.

The Fostering Network estimates that 8,000 more foster carers are needed. Two thirds of children who are fostered return home within six months.

Davina McCall said: "I know how important family is and know that foster carers play a crucial role in the lives of many vulnerable children and young people in their time of need.

"But the huge shortage of foster carers across the UK means that many of these children and young people's needs are not being fully met. I would encourage people to come forward to find out more about fostering and see if they could support a child when they need it most."

Jacqueline Wilson added: "My favourite character out of all my books is Tracy Beaker. She has her share of ups and downs but ends up very nearly happily ever after in a foster home.

"It's important for children who can't live with their own mum and dad to have the opportunity to live with a foster family so I'm happy to add my support to Foster Care Fortnight."

To continue the search for more foster carers, Gateshead Council will run a two-day event at the MetroCentre tomorrow and Sunday.

Visitors and shoppers will be able to pick up information on fostering at the Town Centre next to House of Fraser where there will be activities for all the family, including face painting and entertainment from the Metro Gnomes.