Foster parents are scared to hug their children in case they're accused of sexual abuse, a Government report has found.

Sir Martin Narey's review of fostering in England found that guidance for foster carers leaves them afraid of showing affection to the children they look after.

The report, co-authored by Sir Martin, the former chief executive of Bernardo's, and children's services adviser Mark Owers, said that children were being denied "the physical or emotional affection they need that helps them to thrive" because carers "had been taught to be fearful of potential allegations".

One local authority advises carers to manage physical contact "in a manner which is safe, protective and avoids the arousal of sexual expectations, feelings or in any way which reinforces sexual stereotypes", advice which the review said was "depressing".

Another fostering organisation's advice specifically focuses on male carers, telling them they "should be aware that showing physical affection towards children/young people could be misinterpreted and put them at risk".

Male carers are also told to ask children to sit in the back seat if they pick them up in their car because of the "additional risk of allegations".