One is a bus driver and the other a nurse, but together this Merton couple have been foster carers for nine years.

Now that dedication shown by Hannah Ntow and Kojo Ntow has been recognised.

Earlier this week the couple received the award for 'outstanding contribution by a foster carer' at the Fostering Network awards in London.

Kevin Williams, chief executive of the Fostering Network, said: "Hannah and Kojo are wonderful examples of sacrificial love.

"They are completely committed to the children in their care, even when that has a physical and emotional toll on them.

"Their faith is clearly important to them, as it is to many foster carers, and we need more people like them, from all faiths and none, to consider offering a loving, stable home to children and in particular to children with complex needs."

The awards, now in its fifth year, recognises people who make "exceptional contributions" to foster care, whether they are social workers, foster carers, or the children of fostering families.

Hannah and Kojo’s supervising social worker, Susan Harrisi, who nominated them said: "The Ntows have radically changed their lives for the little boy in their care, and have looked beyond his disabilities to care for the young child within."