A COUPLE who have dedicated their lives to helping children have both been honoured by the Queen.

Maurice and Barbara Hobbs-Hurrell, of Connaught Gardens, Shoebury, have been made MBEs for their services to families after looking after 81 babies over the last 36 years.

The couple, who have two children and three grandchildren of their own, fostered for various charities before becoming Southend Council carers in 1994.

Mr Hobbs-Hurrell, 67, who is also treasurer of the Southend Foster Families Council, said he and his 65-year-old wife got into fostering through a friend but are now considering stepping away from being carers.

He said: “We are thinking of moving away from being fosterers, because we are getting older and think maybe it is time for some younger hands to take over.

“All the way through though we have really enjoyed providing the care for the babies.”

Some of the children they have looked after have come to them just days after being born and the longest period of time a child has stayed with the couple is two and a half years.

After they have been with the Hobbs-Hurrells, the babies are then either given back to their parents or put up for adoption.

Mr Hobbs-Hurrell recommended being a foster carer as it was a great service to provide to young children.

He said: “It is a very rewarding business to be part of and at the moment we have to try and attract more people into becoming foster carers. It is a fantastic thing to do.”

Southend Council’s fostering team manager Angie Kirby praised the work the couple have done over the last 36 years, saying the MBEs were “well deserved”.

She said: “The level of care they offer to children in their home is excellent. It is incredible how they have continued to offer their time, dedication and love to so many children over so many years.

“They have not only helped these children but have also provided support to birth parents, adoptive parents and other foster carers.”