A couple who have fostered hundreds of children have been officially honoured on their retirement – and took the very first child they supported nearly 42 years ago along with them to receive an award.

Janette and Neil Dewsbury, of Liverton Mines, East Cleveland were welcomed to a special reception by the borough mayor last week.

There to help them celebrate was the first child they ever fostered – Donny O’Shea – who has remained in very close contact with the Dewsburys down the years.

“I’d just like to say ‘thank you’ to them all,” said Donny, who once represented his country playing football in international football tournaments for people with disabilities. “I don’t know what would have become of me without them.”

Also at the event were Neil and Janette’s son and daughter, Alan and Claire. Alan said: “We’re very proud of them. Even when they were helping me when I was very ill in hospital, they still looked after children. They’re amazing.”

Speaking at the Mayor’s Parlour at Redcar Civic Centre, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Neil Bendelow, thanked the Dewsburys for their “huge sacrifices” and for making “such a positive difference to so many children”.

Neil responded by saying he and Janette would do it all again and urged other people in the borough to consider fostering.

He said: “It’s not all easy – you get bumps on the road – but we’ve enjoyed it and it is so rewarding. I’d recommend anyone to get involved – take the bumps but enjoy the incredible results of seeing these young people grow.”

Neil remembered the day when Donny came to stay with them as their first child – when Donny was aged just two – in January 1983.

“We never imagined we’d be here nearly 42 years later, it was never the plan,” said Neil as he spoke at the official reception. “But to have Mr O’Shea here with us after he’s achieved so much, NVQs and so much else, is amazing – we’re very proud.

“We had family support and we couldn’t have done it without our children. Janette and I were working full time for many years and they were key to everything too. We’ve had some amazing social workers and we’d like to remember Moira Reed and Chris Ryder who were there at the beginning and all those we’ve worked with since. You’re part of a team when you foster.”

Janette shed a few tears at the event, and explained that they had often fostered babies in recent years. “I’m a bit lost when we wake up in the morning now," she said. "I think, ‘where’s my baby!’ It’s been a privilege to help all these amazing children and young people for so many years.”

Neil said a big honour was receiving MBEs from the now King, then Prince Charles, in 2020.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can call Redcar Council on 0800 917 7771 or email contact@fosterwithnortheast.org.uk.