FORMER Hampshire sporting hero Kriss Akabusi helped a foster care provider celebrate its name change.

The Olympic medallist and athletics world champion, who used to live near Southampton, was at Marwell Zoo for the relaunch of Advance Foster Care, which has changed its name to Advanced Children's Services.

Mr Akabusi, 47, who himself grew up in a care home, shared his experiences and passion for life with the 130-strong audience, including many youngsters as well as carers and staff.

Now a motivational speaker, he said: "Where these young people are, I have been. Where I am now, they can be also. I didn't start with the greatest opportunities but when opportunities came along I made the most of them."

The group has changed its name because it has widened its role to include management consultancy, outreach and training.

On any one day in the UK there are just over 70,000 children and young people living away from home in care. Almost 50,000 live with 37,000 foster families. The Fostering Network, the UK's leading charity for all those involved in fostering, estimates that a further 10,000 foster carers are needed in the UK.