PEOPLE interested in fostering or adoption are being encouraged to attend a series of roadshows to learn more about it.

Stockton Borough Council's child placement team has been inundated with inquiries after it launched a campaign to recruit carers.

Since the launch, the team has received more than 60 inquiries about fostering - a 300 per cent increase compared with this time last year.

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I would urge anyone who has considered fostering or adoption to drop in to the information sessions for an informal discussion with experts from our child placement team.

"There is no pressure to make a commitment but it could set you on the road for a life-changing experience. We have been overwhelmed by the response that we have had and would like to thank everyone who has already responded to the campaign."

The team will be at: Norton library tomorrow, from 9.30am to 12.30pm; Billingham Rugby Club on Sunday, from noon to 6pm; Ingleby Barwick library on Tuesday, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm; Fairfield library on July 6, from 9.30am to 12.30pm; Thornaby library on July 19, from 12.30pm to 4pm; and Morrisons, Teesside Park on July 26, from 9am to 4pm.

Formore information about fostering or adoption, call Stockton council's child placement team on 01642-526218 or visit stockton.gov.uk/fostering or stockton.gov.uk/adoption