Anita Thomas is currently looking after two teenagers

A pensioner from Carmarthen, who has lost count of the number of children she has fostered, has been praised in a special awards ceremony.

Anita Thomas, who has been a foster parent for 31 years, was one of nine carers thanked at the Carmarthenshire County Council event.

Ms Thomas, who is currently looking after two teenagers, has continued fostering despite losing her husband six years ago.

Mr and Mrs Thomas decided to start fostering when they adopted a girl after having four sons of their own.

"I enjoy children and I like teenagers - I like to build up a relationship with the children," she said.

"I would say to anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer to give it a whirl, but don't go into it thinking you can change the childrens' lives.

I'll carry on until the social services tell me they've had enough of me Anita Thomas, foster carer

"That's not what it's about - I do it because I enjoy being with the children.

"Lots of them still visit me and I'm grandma to so many of their children.

"It's a huge extended family, I've lost count of how many children I've fostered - it must be hundreds," she added.

"It has been very rewarding, I have no regrets.

"I'll carry on until I start getting irritable with the children, it would be time to go then, or when the social services tell me they've had enough of me," she said.

Dedication

At the presentation event, Carmarthenshire council social services director Bruce McLernon paid tribute to all those involved.

"We wanted to recognise the commitment and dedication of these people who have all been foster carers for over 20 years," he said.

"Without them, we would not be able to achieve what we do and take care of the young people who need us," he added.

Council chair Fioled Jones added that the efforts of the carers did not get enough recognition.

"We really appreciate their commitment, dedication and caring for a job, which although I am sure is very rewarding, is not easy," she said.

"They give so much to so many," she added.