Train operator Northern Rail has temporarily changed the name of Bradford Forster Square station to Bradford Foster Square to highlight Foster Care Fortnight.

Signage bearing the new name will be displayed at the station for the next two weeks to mark the event, which runs from Monday 15 to Sunday 28 May. The Fortnight is an annual campaign which aims to inspire more people to consider fostering.

Northern is also running an event at the station alongside Bradford Children and Families Trust to show their appreciation to foster carers and offer a fun day out for children in care, including food and entertainment.

Bradford currently has 1,586 children in care. Bradford Children and Families Trust needs to recruit at least forty-five foster carers every year in order to meet the children’s needs, achieve the best possible outcomes and keep children local.

Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said: “Foster carers do an incredible job in providing children and young people with the support and stability they need to thrive. We’re proud to support Foster Care Fortnight and raise awareness of the need for more foster carers to come forward.”

Charlotte Ramsden, Chief Executive of Bradford Children and Families Trust, said: “We’re 100% committed to meeting the needs of children and young people in the Bradford district. Our foster families are at the heart of the care we provide for our most vulnerable children, so we are pleased to be working with Northern on this project to promote fostering in Bradford and provide a fun day out for our fostering families. We are very grateful for the difference they make in the lives of so many children.

“This Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity to find out about children who need foster families, and what it means to be a foster carer, so we encourage anyone who is interested in fostering to get in touch.”

On Sunday 21 May, Northern’s new summer timetable comes into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check before they travel. For more information, visit Northern’s website.