THERE were tears as big-hearted Dallam couple Julia and Nigel Reason were awarded the prize for foster carer of the year.

Judges said the category was a particularly tough one to pick a winner but chose the couple after their foster son Alex, who they have cared for over the last two years, said they had turned his life around.

Julia, aged 47, said: “I feel proud and I’m overwhelmed but it should have really been Alex stood on that stage as he’s the one who’s achieved so much over the last two years.

“Winning tonight makes everything worthwhile and it felt like all our hard work came together in that one moment our names were read out.

“We have ups and downs like any other family but he’s a fantastic lad.”

In his nomination Alex said Julia and Nigel were ‘by far the best foster carers I have come across’.

He added: “I have experienced what bad foster carers are like and as soon as I moved in with Julia and Nigel I said to myself, ‘I'll be here for a long time’.

“I am now as happy as ever and it is all down to Julia and Nigel.”

To find out more about the council's fostering service visit warringtonfostering.co.uk or contact  444100.