GLOUCESTERSHIRE residents from all walks of life are being urged to consider adopting as a nationwide campaign aims to help 4,000 children in the UK.

Over the last 18 months, 25 children have been adopted in Gloucestershire, but many children are still left waiting for homes.

Gloucestershire County Council is again appealing for people in the county to adopt children of all ages.

Their call coincides with the launch of National Adoption Week (9-15 November) – a nationwide campaign organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

The campaign aims to help find families for up to 4,000 children throughout the UK waiting for loving and permanent homes.

A roadshow to give potential parents more information will visit Waitrose in Cirencester on Friday, November 13 from 10.30am to 5pm.

There are a whole variety of reasons why some children can’t stay with their birth families and the council’s aim is to provide these children with the best possible life chances.

Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "More than nine out of 10 people who go through the assessment process are approved to adopt and we need people from across the community to come forward.

"We particularly need families who would welcome older children and brothers and sisters. We are also appealing for people from the black and minority ethnic community to consider adoption so that children can be brought up within their own cultural background and origin."

There is no upper age limit to adopt and Gloucestershire County Council is keen to hear from married and unmarried couples, single people, lesbian and gay couples and individuals, those who have their own children, homeowners or those renting property.

Anyone wishing to find out more about adoption can contact Gloucestershire County Council’s Adoption Team on 01242 532597.