STOCKTON Borough Council is to take part in National Adoption Week, next week, in an attempt to help combat the shortage of families coming forward to be adoptive parents.

There are about twelve children in Stockton waiting for a suitable adoptive family, and about 5,000 nationwide.

These include children and brothers and sisters aged between one and ten years old.

The national campaign, now in its 12th year, hopes to raise awareness about the number of children in the country waiting for adoption.

Many of the children being looked after by Stockton council are waiting for permanent, loving homes.

Jackie Ward, Stockton council's child placement team manager, said: "Adoption is a new opportunity for children who have often suffered trauma and loss and are in need of a permanent, loving home.

"It is also a new beginning for adoptive parents who are able to love and care for these children.

"We need people who are able to offer a loving and secure home life to these children and be prepared for the challenges they may bring.

"Adopting a child is not easy, but can be incredibly rewarding and creates families for life. The difference this security makes to the child's future cannot be underestimated."

Anyone who is interested in adopting, and lives within about a fifty-mile radius of Stockton, can phone Stockton council on (01642) 397212 for an informal chat to find out more about what is involved.