Foster carers by Royal command

Now, six months after retiring from 37 years of fostering, the couple from Cromwell Road, Preston have become super-parents by Royal appointment.

Jos and George, whose brood includes two sons, five adopted daughters, 241 foster children and seven grandchildren under the age of 10, received a special invitation to the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their lifelong devotion to helping children in need.

“Jos and George have dedicated their lives to providing a nurturing and stable home environment for children, whilst plans were being made for their futures,” said Barbara Bath, head of fostering and adoption at LCC. “I felt that their extraordinary commitment and understanding towards children in the care system in Lancashire deserved special recognition.”

Jos, 74, and George, 75, spent the afternoon rubbing shoulders with the great and good at the Royal garden party, which was also attended by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

“It was a brilliant day and it felt like such an honour to be invited,” said George. ”Everyone was in their finery. It was a lovely experience.” Jos added: “We’ve looked after all age groups from babies to teenagers, for anything from a couple of days until they’ve grown up. I’ve loved every minute and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”