LESBIAN, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Gloucestershire are being urged to consider adoption.

As part of this week’s second annual LGBT adoption and fostering week, Gloucestershire County Council is reminding residents that sexuality has no bearing on their eligibility to welcome children into their families.

Every year around 4,000 children need adoptive homes and an additional 9,000 foster carers are needed.

GCC’s cabinet member for vulnerable families Cllr Paul McLain (Con, Charlton Kings) said described the work of foster carers across the county as “tremendous” but more were always needed.

“Fostering is a challenging role to take on but it can make a real difference to a child’s life,” he said.

“Our aim for all children is to give them the best possible life chances, which means offering the opportunity to adopt to the widest possible range of people.”

He added the authority was particularly seeking families who were able to adopt groups of brothers and sisters.

The only requirements for an adoptive or foster parent is that they are 21 or older.

Foster parents must also have a spare room.

To find out more about adoption call GCC’s fostering team on 01242 532 654 or visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering