PAT Maes and Rob Barrowcliffe, of Vimy Close, Hounslow, have taken in two children since they began fostering nearly three years ago.

As well as their five birth children - Leanne and Nadine, both 20, Jordon, 12, Connor, 10, and six-year-old Kealey - the couple are currently caring for a 15-month-old boy, who cannot be named.

Connor said: "It's fun having a little brother because we get to play with him and look after him."

Leanne, who along with her twin sister Nadine is a 'back-up carer' for the foster children, said: "It's like having another brother or sister come into the family. Kealey loves wheeling him around in the pushchair and we go on family outings together."

Before Pat and Rob could begin fostering, all their children were interviewed several times to ensure they were happy.

Members of Hounslow Council's fostering team remain in regular touch with the youngsters and carry out an annual review.

Twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas holidays, they organise treats for the sons and daughters of foster carers, including trips to the pantomime or theme parks.

Rob, who works for a courier firm, was fostered himself as a child and said he and Pat had always wanted to take in other children one day.

"Even before we approached the council about fostering we spoke to the children to make sure they were OK with it," he explained. "At first, because the baby was so tiny, the younger ones were a bit worried about him not being with his mum, so they asked lots of questions.

"They're always playing together now but they get to do their own thing too, like football for the boys and horse riding for Kealey, or just sitting together on a Saturday night watching X Factor."

* If you want to find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit www.fosterforhounslow.org or call the council's fostering team on 0800 731 8558.