John and Violet Lord have opened their homes and their hearts to foster children for nearly 60 years. They spoke to MICHELLE THOMAS about their legacy of love.

LOOKING forward to taking it easy when you are older?

Thinking of enjoying the quiet life, maybe playing a little golf or going for long, relaxing walks?

Well, in that case, you have nothing in common with John and Violet Lord.

The East Nowra senior citizens – John is 83 and Violet is 78 – have enough energy and enthusiasm for life to put most young people to shame.

Each school day finds Violet pouring cereal and buttering toast at the East Nowra Public School breakfast club, providing a nutritious start to the day for local school children.

But it is as foster parents that the couple are perhaps best known, having been caring for children in difficult circumstances for almost their entire married life.

Read more about the Lords in Wednesday's (25/1/12)South Coast Register.