TWO women foster carers who forced two young sisters to drink washing up liquid have been banned for life from looking after children.

Foster parents Lynne Sheridan and Lesley Broughton squirted the liquid into the mouths of the girls as a form of punishment.

The women, of Ennerdale Avenue, Breightmet, and described in court as being partners, both pleaded guilty to two counts of child cruelty and administering a noxious substance.

Broughton was given a 150-hour community punishment order and Sheridan a 240-hour order.

The girls were aged just seven and nine when they were entrusted into Broughton and Sheridan's care and had been physically abused before. The women squirted washing-up liquid into the girls' mouths and made them do the same to each other, Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court was told.

On one occasion, 12 squirts were used because the "usual three were not having an effect", the court heard.

The girls were also made to lean with their noses against the house walls and staircases and stand outside in silence on either side of the house windows.

Broughton and Sheridan, partners for 14 years, called it "time out" punishment.

In interviews, the sisters said Broughton and Sheridan, both aged 30, had "physically punished them" and banged their heads together. Neighbours reported what they had seen to police, the court heard.

Bolton Council, which launched an internal review, said today the couple had passed checks and examinations to national standards to become foster carers.

A spokesman said: "Following the girls' placement they received a high level of support and the children were visited on a regular basis.

"However, these women very effectively concealed their treatment of the children from a wide range of workers in education, social services and health.

"When the concerns were raised, the Social Services Department responded immediately to ensure the children's well-being was protected and the appropriate agencies were informed."

Police said the incident was particularly distressing and said the children are now being cared for by a "loving family" in a different area of Greater Manchester.

Tina Landale, prosecuting, said Broughton and Sheridan lived in Horwich and fostered the children, who cannot be named, from 2000. They then moved with the children to Little Hulton, but neighbours soon became concerned about their welfare.

Miss Landale said one girl was seen being dragged to a wheelie bin before her teddy bear was thrown in. They were also seen standing outside late at night.

Police launched an investigation and the girls were removed from the couple's care last June.

Nick Clarke, defending Broughton, said the children had "benefited and progressed" under their care but had started to "test the boundaries".

He said: "They tried to make boundaries but became too strict and punished these children too severely."

Sarah Spear, for Sheridan, said it was always the couple's intention to offer a "loving and stable home" but struggled to get help from the social services department.

Judge Barry Woodwood said: "This cannot be condoned. The nature of the punishments was harsh, although the children did not suffer any injuries."

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "A review has shown that the foster carers were recruited, assessed and approved using a nationally recommended framework which includes police checks and references being taken up."

"We have worked closely with the police during the investigations to ensure the carers were brought to justice."