FOR the second year running, Bexley Council has been awarded beacon status for one of its services.

Bexley has already gained the accolade for its waste management. Now its fostering service has also been awarded beacon status.

It is one of only two London boroughs to achieve the award for each year the scheme has been running.

While other authorities have been struggling to find foster parents, Bexley has managed to keep pace with the number of children in its care placing 78 per cent of children with foster parents.

From 173 applications for beacon status this year only 39 councils achieved the award.

Becoming a beacon council means Bexley will now share its good practice through open days, training sessions and presentations with other local authorities and through information posted on its website.