PRIME MINISTER Gordon Brown is calling on communities across the country to help identify local heroes, like dedicated York foster carers, Tony and Wendy Whitbourn.

Tony and Wendy devoted 28 years to fostering 74 children; giving these children a warm and caring home.

It was a record of selfless caring that brought them to the attention of none other than the Queen herself when the couple received MBEs earlier this month in the New Year's Honours list.

Now Prime Minister Gordon Brown wants to help identify more unsung heroes like Tony and Wendy. He said: "All of us know someone in our street or someone in our community who spends all their spare time helping others.

"They are always raising money for charity, running errands for elderly neighbours, coaching kids, or doing something to bring the town together.

* For more details see The Press today.