A CARING Tottington couple who have taken in youngsters for more than 40 years are retiring from their roles as foster parents.

John and Elaine Carroll have looked after more than 25 children over the last four decades, and adopted three of them.

The Carrolls decided to foster after learning they were unable to have children of their own.

And while most parents have nine months to prepare for the arrival of their first child, the pair had just three days’ notice to get ready for baby Paula, a three-month old girl who became their first adopted daughter.

John, aged 70, and Elaine, aged 72, went on to foster four-year-old Sheena and 18-month-old John-Paul, whom they also adopted.

The pair continued to foster dozens more children and young people, including many who arrived from challenging circumstances.

“Lots of the children we’ve looked after came to us because things didn’t work out with their previous foster families,” said John.

“But we’ve always had a rule that we draw a line under things so anyone who stays with us has fresh start, although we’ve always listened if the children want to talk about their experiences.”

The kind-hearted couple even tracked down one boy who was taken from their house to a secure unit after getting involved with the police, just so they could return his belongings.

And they have found a novel way of staying in touch with some of the children they have fostered over the last decade through CANW (Child Action North West).

“We’ve fostered with CANW for around nine years,” said John.

“They always have a Christmas party that all the children come to, and for the last few years I’ve taken on the role of Santa Claus.”

The couple, of Leigh Close, say teamwork is the key to their success as foster parents, and the support and training given by CANW has helped them through some troubled times.

John added: “Fostering is a challenge but the support we’ve had from our social worker and the training we’ve been given really has helped us to cope."

The couple, who still provide a home for long-term foster daughter Karina when she’s home from university, are retiring due to ill health after Elaine suffered a stroke last year, but they are keen to encourage others to consider fostering.

“The important thing is letting the child know you’re always there for them,” said John.

“Don’t look at the problems, look at the end result. When that child comes to you and give you a hug, that’s the result you’re after.”