HOPE, peace and goodwill are all words associated with Christmas -- but they are often lacking from the lives of some youngsters at this time of year.

However, a growing number of foster carers in East Lancashire are now bringing festive cheer into the lives of children who have been taken away from their natural families.

The Gough family, of Queen's Park, Blackburn, are one example. Dad Phil, a Methodist minister, and wife Maria have a daughter of their own but have also welcomed extra faces to their table since registering as fosterers in 2000. They offer one respite care place -- for youngsters whose parents might just need a break because they are struggling to cope -- and one short-term place.

The short-term place goes to youngsters who have left their parents for a variety of reasons, but for whom there is hope they will return. Alternatively, they move on to a long-term foster carer.

Eight children have passed through the vicarage and all have returned to their families.

Phil said: "It would be easy to paint a picture of happy life with a foster family against sad life with the natural family but it isn't like that.

"The children want be to be with their parents, and they do miss them, but to us they are part of the family. They get treated just the same, get the same attention when it comes to presents and play a full part in Christmas.

"It is rewarding to see them enjoying themselves, particularly because it has involved work to build up a relationship and making sure they know they are part of our family.

"Their personalities develop and we do all we can so they know this is their home for as long as they are living here."

Both Maria and Phil had always thought about fostering but only discussed it together when they saw an advert in the paper.

Maria said: "We felt we had something we could give to youngsters, not only in terms of the space we have here but also time we have in our lives and our family.

"We had all our questions answered during courses we attended run by the council and after talking to them it was decided we could offer two places.

"The real satisfaction is seeing a youngster develop, often improving their behaviour along the way, and seeing them change. They can become more confident but often they benefit from being within an environment where there are firm boundaries about what is and isn't allowed."

Fostering brings out the best in the people, Phil believes. He said: "People are very generous around us, not just our friends and extended family, but also the people from the church as well.

"When relatives ring up before they come round at Christmas, they always say 'are there any others we should know about?' and bring presents for them. As far as everyone is concerned, they are part of the family.

"Christmas is a special time and I would like think foster care gives the youngsters and their families hope.

"All the children we have looked after have returned to their parents and we have been able to build good contact with the families. That is important because the youngster could end up with divided loyalties if they saw their foster carers and families arguing.

"Of course, some children can't go back home, but that is what makes fostering all the more important.

"It is hard work and time-consuming but the satisfaction you get back is immense."

Blackburn with Darwen Council is recruiting foster carers all the time in a bid to keep youngsters in need out of children's homes and in a stable environment. There are around 65 short-term foster families and, in total, 100 foster families.

As an area with high urban deprivation, there is also a high number of children in need of care.

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for Blackburn with Darwen Social Services Department, said: "Giving a young person the chance to experience life in a loving and stable home is vital. Foster carers make a real difference.

"Training is provided before and after approval, along with the support of a link worker. Foster carers are paid for their skills."

Social services staff are keen to point out that people don't need to be exceptional to be foster carers -- just liking children and having time and space is enough.

Constant support is also available for both child and carers.

Anyone wanting more information should contact the family placement team on 01254 587528.