PEOPLE can find out more about adopting children at an event being held by Gates-head Borough Council.

The council won the coveted Beacon Status earlier this year for its success in doubling the number of children it has helped to find permanent new homes.

At Thursday's event, the adoption process will be explained and would-be adopt-ers will hear from parents who are enjoying their new families.

The council hopes the event will create a better understanding of adoption and the rules on who can adopt.

Councillor Linda Green, the council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "There is no age, gender, income or race barrier to adoption, and even if you are a single person you could be just who we are looking for.

"We hope to encourage people from all walks of life to consider adoption."

The council's adoption services team will also give people the chance to talk in confidence about their own circumstances and reasons for wanting to become an adoptive parent.

The evening will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Gateshead Civic Centre. For more information, call the council's adoption team on 0191-433 8333.