Carers Bob and Eileen Clack, who have looked after the same person with learning disabilities for 28 years, have been recognised for their dedication.

Mr Clack, 73, and his wife, 69, fostered her from when she was a baby until the age of 18, and then took over as carers.

Their daughter, Alison, and her husband Larry Garrad, plan to take over providing the care in two years' time.

The Clacks, of Langford, near Witney, have fostered 49 children in the past 36 years.

In the first event of its kind, they received a certificate for more than ten years service to the county council's adult placement team.

They were among other carers honoured at the John Wesley Memorial Hall in New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, from Jean Carr, assistant director of social services.

Other carers whose work was rewarded included Heather Jackson, of Henley Avenue, Oxford, who has two people with learning disabilities living with her, Janet Kennedy, of Blenheim Drive, Witney, who also cares for two people, and Gill and Ray Perkins, of Newland, Witney.

Jean and Derek Turrill, of Radley, near Abingdon, Diana Davenport, of Great Rollright, and Sheila Wickson also received awards.

Adult placement officer Sarah Gray said: "Our scheme relies totally on these people - people who are happy to open their doors to very vulnerable people either on a long or short-term basis.

"They have worked tirelessly for our scheme for ten or more years. We wanted to acknowledge their dedication and achievement."