POTENTIAL parents in Malvern are being urged to consider adopting a child.

Worcestershire County Council's adoption service is preparing for the start of National Adoption Week next month and says there is a particular shortage of people looking to adopt in Malvern.

The week runs from Monday, November 9, until Sunday, November 15, and aims to encourage people to offer loving homes to children of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.

The council has arranged a drop-in information session at Malvern’s library between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday, November 10.

The event aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding adoption and will be an informal session where interested residents can have a chat with members of the adoption team.

Louisa Ackling, from the county’s adoption services, said: "There are no blanket bans in adoption, so please don't think we'll turn you down because you're over 40, single, or don't own your own home. What we really need are people who can offer a child or sibling group a loving and supportive family life.”

For more information visit worcestershire.gov.uk/adoption or call 0800 028 2158.