Her early childhood memories will forever be scarred by the violence, neglect and alcohol misuse in her chaotic family life.

But when eight-year-old Kayleigh Crossley was fostered to live with Brenda and her late husband Ian, her outlook gradually began to change for the better.

Now 23, Kayleigh, is encouraging others in Kirklees to consider fostering as latest figures show around 30 children are in need of long-term foster carers.

Kayleigh, a nurse, said: “At the time, I didn’t really have a full understanding of what was going on and I went through a real mix of emotions.

“Even though Brenda and Ian did everything they could to make me feel a part of their family, I struggled to adjust.”

Kayleigh recalls part of her problem was being taken out of the environment where she was in effect ‘the mother’ to her younger siblings.

She added: “Having someone else looking after me felt very alien.

“Initially I felt scared and confused at what was happening, so my first instinct was to rebel. This manifested itself in regular outbursts of anger and I’d sometimes run away.

“Although there were days when I’d appreciate what Brenda and Ian were doing to help me, after all the chaos and disruption in my life, pushing the boundaries was the only way I could cope.

“But Brenda and Ian were amazing. No matter what I was going through or how destructive my behaviour became they showed me unconditional love, kindness and understanding, and were always there for me.

“This was vital in helping me to gradually overcome my issues and eventually settle down.”

Kayleigh, who now lives with partner Beth in Dewsbury, was just one of more than a 100 children fostered by Brenda Whitworth and Ian, who have two of their own children and became foster carers in 1985.

Kirklees Council is one five West Yorkshire councils taking part in the Foster4Yorkshire campaign in September and October to highlight the urgent need for more long term foster carers.

If you think you have the right skills and qualities or to find out more about foster caring with Kirklees Council, visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 389 0086.