A WOMAN who grew up in Okehampton has been awarded an MBE in the Queen?s Birthday Honours List for services to children and families after fostering more than 30 children. Janet Ridewood, nee Ware, now lives in the Birmingham area and has been providing a good home and stability for foster children in the Midlands for the past three decades. Janet, 61, who was educated in Okehampton before moving away, said she and husband Peter had first become involved in fostering after seeing an advert asking for families to come forward. Janet and Peter had three children of their own, and both loved children, so they decided to apply. Janet said: ?Usually, they come for a short stay and we end up keeping them for much longer because they are settled.? In 1997, Janet became an NVQ assessor offering help and encouragement to other foster families. She added: ?I was so excited when I heard I?d got an MBE. I?ve wanted to meet the Queen since I was a little girl. It?s such a great honour to know my work has been recognised.?
