Radio Features

Mr and Mrs Davies from Hadnall, near Shrewsbury, have seven children of their own but still found time to foster children who needed their help. They were awarded MBEs for services to children and families in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mrs Davies said they were very grateful to the people who had endorsed their nomination, some of whom were children they had cared for in the past: "They think we deserve a medal. They love us, they love us a lot and they think we are very nice."

"It's both ways we love them lots as well...all these kids, all they want is a little bit of respect which unfortunately a lot of them don't get and we just try and put them on the straight an narrow." said Mr Davies.

Worth while

Mrs Davies said they had looked into becoming foster parents because they had enjoyed having their own children so much. They started when  their youngest child was four and have looked after 101 youngsters so far.

She and Mr Davies said they enjoyed working together and helping the children some of whom showed very challenging behaviour.

"We've had to teach children how to use the toilet. This is kids of seven, eight, nine. They've just been used to doing it anywhere." said Mr Davies.

He described some meal times as 'like survival of the fittest' with the children grabbing food off the table: "The wonderful thing is that after about a fortnight when they started to say 'please' and 'thank you' and this makes it all worth while."