ROCK star Badly Drawn Boy will open the new premises of an independent fostering agency, Fostering Solutions, in Bolton on Tuesday.

The Bolton born singer-songwriter, whose real name is Damon Gough, will be among the guests at the agency's new purpose built building on Viking Street, Bolton, after its relocation from Chorley Old Road.

Damon will leave his mark for posterity at the opening ceremony by putting his handprints in clay on a plaque which will later have pride of place within the building.

Rebecca Boehme, business support manager for Fostering Solutions, said the rock star was invited to open the new building by a relative who works for the agency.

She said: "We think it is wonderful that someone like Damon has agreed to open our new building. It is going to be great for the children to meet him and hopefully his presence will be an inspiration to them."

Damon was brought up in Brodick Drive, Breightmet, before moving to Belmont. He worked at his parents' Bolton printing firm until forming his own record label in 1996.

In addition to Damon the Fostering Solutions founders, Hilary Doherty and Michelle Cuffe, will be at the opening along with a selection of long serving foster carers and staff.

Fostering Solutions was founded in 2000 in Bolton to offer high quality placements to children and young people in care, by developing working partnerships with them, their families, social services, foster carers and education and professional services.

The organisation now employs more than 70 staff, across six regions of the UK. The company won Company of the Year at the 2004 North Manchester Business Awards.The new premises will be Fostering Solution's head office and North West office combined.