A woman from Borehamwood has spent her life foster caring and she has been recognised for her services to children and families.

Jacqueline Barnett, 80, from Haggerston Road, Borehamwood, started foster caring in 1958 and has only just retired last September.

As part of the New Year’s Honours, Mrs Barnett will be made an MBE for her work in the foster care sector.

Mr Barnett said: “I don’t know how I feel. I do feel proud as foster caring is always something that I have done.

“I never understand why you have to be awarded for doing something good but I do feel proud and so do my family. I do sometimes think that I perhaps don’t deserve it.”

Mrs Barnett had been foster caring for so long that two babies she looked after until they were+ in their teens now come back to visit with their own children.

The widow, who has been married twice, said the hardest part of the job was saying goodbye to the babies when they leave.

In June 2015, Mrs Barnett was also recognised along with 150 other foster carers by Hertfordshire County Council who honoured her with an award as part of Foster Care fortnight.