A HUSBAND-AND-WIFE duo who have fostered more than 65 children have both been honoured.

The Argus reported on Saturday that Rob Goddard from Peacehaven had picked up an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

It has now been revealed that his wife, Mandy, from Ireland, has also been handed an honourary MBE.

Mandy and Rob Goddard have between them been looking after children for 22 years.

Mrs Goddard, who came over from Dublin to marry Mr Goddard, will receive a slightly different honour at the same time as her husband.

She was not included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List because of her citizenship.

Mr Goddard said: “Mandy is an equal part in this. Everyone who knows us knows we did it as a married couple.

“I couldn’t have done this without her.”

Mr Goddard revealed that he himself was a fostered child, growing up in Whitehawk, and wanted to pass on his upbringing to others.

He said: “I would like to thank Mandy, our two sons Dean and Glen, and the foster kids we have looked after.”

Mr Goddard also paid tribute to his own foster parents, Ada and Fred Goddard.

He said that as a way of thanks he changed his own surname, Marks, to Goddard on his birth certificate when he was 18 years old.

He added: “It’s a shame more people don’t give fostering a go - it’s a good thing to do.”