YOUNG people have been sharing their inspirational stories after leaving the care system to encourage other care leavers to be aspirational.

Rion, a young care leaver, has just graduated from the University of Plymouth with a first-class BSc.

He's now set for a Master’s and is about to start a work placement with Plymouth City Council.

Wiltshire Council will continue to support him with his studies and reaching his aspiration.

He said: "For me, the next step now is to work and gain money while I complete my Masters, get a job in the legal sector and get a house.

"For anyone considering fostering I would say you need to consider it carefully. It can be rewarding for the foster carer and the child; you can take someone out of a very nasty situation and give them a life. My foster carers coped with anything I threw at them and they encouraged and supported me."

Figures published in May show there are currently 452 children in care and 221 care leavers across Wiltshire.

More foster carers are needed to address the growing need for people to look after children.

Cllr Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children, said: "Leaving care and making your own way in the world can be an uphill struggle if you don't have that network of support or advice available.

"We are here for those leaving care, so they have that support to manage finances, live independently and access the opportunities of their peers."