A couple who have devoted 25 years of their lives to providing foster care for more than 50 children have been honoured at a special ceremony.

Dean and Nora Morris were among a number of Hounslow’s carers who picked up long-service awards at the Civic Centre for opening up their homes to vulnerable young people.

Mr and Mrs Morris called Hounslow social services in 1983 after watching refugees flee Vietnam on the news, asking whether they could look after any of the children who arrived in the UK.

When they were told it was not possible they almost hung up the phone, before social worker Julie Shipton asked if they would consider fostering instead.

Mr Morris said: “It’s been an interesting and incredibly fulfilling journey.

“Our own children have benefited from an understanding of people’s lives outside their own, and they’ve made a lot of friends and had a lot of extra brothers and sisters over the years.

“It’s always been a pleasure to have them in our home. Many of the children we fostered are now parents themselves so we now also have lots of lovely grandchildren too.”

Ms Shipton said: “They deserve this award for all they have done and for the huge and lasting difference they have made to the lives of so many vulnerable children.”