BROOKSIDE star, Louis Emerick, is helping launch a new Barnardo's video aimed at giving the chance of a new life to disabled children in Wirral.

Louis - alias Mick Johnson in the popular soap - appears in the new video entitled 'What Have You Done Today?', which will be used to help find long-term foster carers and short break carers.

During his introduction to the video, Louis talks of his own childhood experience of being adopted and the importance of growing up in a secure and loving family.

Brenda Farell of Barnardo's North West Fostering Service, said: "We were delighted that Louis, who knows first-hand the importance of children finding secure and loving adoptive and foster homes, wanted to appear in the video and agreed to launch it for us."

"We hope the video will attract many families interested in becoming foster carers and short-term carers. We are looking for families, couples or single people, men or women, who feel they can make a difference to the life of a child with disabilities."

Full support and training is given to all would-be foster carers, who receive an allowance for the care of the child. Previous experience is not essential. Barnardo's are also keen to hear from foster carers from the black and ethnic minority communities.

If you are interested, ring Barnardo's on 488 0822.