A family from Oldham is being celebrated across the region for their incredible work in fostering which has helped more than 300 children.

The extraordinary work started with single mother of three, Linda Garforth, who despite losing her eyesight 11 years ago, has been fostering through the council for 33 years.

Her twin daughters, Christine Garforth and Catherine McNamara, then followed in her footsteps, fostering for 13 years and five years respectively.

It means the inspirational family have been collectively fostering youngsters in the borough for more than five decades, taking in more than 300 children under their wing.

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Over the years, Linda has opened up her safe and loving home - and doesn't just offer short-term help as she often cares for the youngsters until they grow up and has even adopted one child.

Linda said: "It's tough to say goodbye, but it's part of the job.

"Knowing we've made a positive impact on a child's life makes it all worth it."

When asked about her favourite moments, Linda said she can't pick just one.

She added:  "Each child brings something special.

"Watching them grow and do well under our care is the best part.

"Despite the challenges, fostering brings so much happiness.

"Each child is unique, and they all bring something precious into our lives.

“I’ll always remember that time a little boy arrived with a huge bag nearly twice the size of him that turned out to be nearly empty, except for a small teddy bear that he gave to me.

“When he left, we filled that big bag full of clothes and toys as he deserved it.

"Seeing him blossom under our care was truly heartwarming.

"It's moments like these that make it all worthwhile."

Linda's fostering journey began with a simple call to the council which she decided to do because of her caring nature - and because she was looking after her friends' children while they were at work.

She said: "When I saw an ad in the local paper for foster carers in Oldham, I felt I had to do something.

"I realised that fostering was something I'd rather do than keep looking after my friends' children.

"Once I made that call, I knew there was no going back."

Since that call, her family has gone on to make a remarkable difference to the lives of hundreds of children in need.

The mum proudly described fostering as a "family affair" as the trio "support each other through the highs and lows, creating a supportive and loving home for both the children and us", she added.

The family often swap and share cots and beds, as well as a huge car to juggle their more than one weekly food shop and school runs.

Linda added: "I've been thinking about semi-retiring, but it's not quite working out as I hoped.

"Honestly, I'm not sure if I could ever fully step away when there are children who need me.

"I've currently been looking after a baby since they were born, and helping other children who need a break for a few weeks through respite.

"Fostering has become such a big part of my life that I can't imagine saying goodbye to it fully."

The family were also interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester in May this year for their incredible story where Linda told presenter Anna Jameson that she didn't expect she would be able to foster, due to being a divorced single mum, but "they were interested and so was I and that was that".

The incredible woman estimated that she has looked after "at least" 200 children herself.

She added: "It's a great thing to look back on and know that a lot of those children have had their lives changed because of our family.

"There's an awful lot of children [in Oldham] who call me grandma.

"From years and years ago, they're grown up now, and it's nice when you get this sudden phone call to come and visit.

"It's lovely."

Christine and Catherine said they were also proud of their mum - and were inspired by her to get into fostering themselves after growing up around foster children.

The family also said it's "heart-wrenching" when a child moves on but Linda said they've "got to move", adding: "It's part and parcel - you've done your job and you've done the best for them.

"You're moving them on to hopefully something better and there are so many children that are waiting to come in who are living in conditions that they shouldn't be living in.

"One moves in the morning and then the phone is ringing an hour later."

Nick Whitbread, assistant director of corporate parenting for the council, said Linda's commitment to fostering reflects Oldham Council's fostering programme.

Mr Whitbread added: "We're really thankful for Linda and her family’s dedication and care.

"Their selfless actions have made a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children in our community."

For those considering fostering, Linda offers simple advice: "If you have room in your home and room in your heart, pick up the phone and enquire.

"It's the best decision I ever made."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.