A taxi driver who spent 17 years in care has kitted out his cab to help find foster and adoptive homes for children in Wales.
Stephen Mears from Cardiff has turned his taxi into a moving advertisement for the children's charity Barnardo's.
Mr Mears spent his childhood in a children's home from the age of four following the death of his parents.
He plans to spent the year driving his specially designed taxi which offers fostering and adoption information.
"I spent 17 years of my life in care and I have sympathy with what Barnardo's is trying to do in attracting foster and adoptive parents"
Instead of a traditional black cab, Mr Mears' taxi is covered in brightly coloured livery and has already caught the attention of passengers.
"It's bright and it is noticeable and it is stopping people in their tracks. I think it will do the job," said Mr Mears who works with Capitol Taxis.
"People are already stopping me and asking me about Barnardo's.
"I think it is really apt that my cab is advertising the fostering and adoption service because I spent 17 years of my life in care and I have sympathy with what Barnardo's is trying to do in attracting foster and adoptive parents."
Mr Mears who is married with six children spent his childhood living in a children's home following the death of his mother and father.
Anne Marie Browning, manager of the Barnardo's Cymru's fostering and adoption service said: "This is an unusual way to promote the service but we think it will attract people.
"We need to recruit 20 adoptive parents and 25 long-term foster carers for children in south Wales this year.
"The taxi will be on the streets of Cardiff 13 hours a day and we are hoping it will prompt someone out there to think about giving a child a new home and a new life."
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