The Children's Society say that 8,000 children in care in England are more than 20 miles from their own home.

Taylor, who ran away from seven children's homes, explained that being placed away from her family "changed her life".

"It isn't a punishment, it's to help them," she told the Today programme.

Jenny Whittle, cabinet member for Specialist Children's services in Kent, believes that councils must work together to place children "as close as possible to their existing schools and friends when it is safe".

Jim Sullivan, of the Independent Childrens Homes Association, describes the debate over where to place children as a "complex situation" and called for a national strategy.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.