REACTION to a television show about a couple's problems with adoption has prompted them to set up a website about their experiences.

Andrew and Helen Hale, from Battenhall, Worcester, were featured in the BBC1 documentary Adoption Hell last Tuesday.

The couple's two adopted sons, Andrew, aged 23, and Jason, aged 19, have both served prison terms, because, Dr Hale says, they suffer 'attachment disorder', which prevents them from feeling loved by their new parents.

Dr Hale, from said he was delighted the BBC reported three million viewers for the programme.

"The BBC received nearly 500 calls and e-mails, mostly from adoptive parents in similar positions," he said.

"I find it very sad that there are so many other people out there who have gone through similar experiences.

"I'm encouraged by the response but saddened there are so many of us with these hidden problems."

The response has prompted Dr Hale, from The Hill Avenue, to set up a website entitled Adoption Hell, detailing his experiences and telling users how to get support.

He said he was also considering writing a book about his experiences.

The programme showed how the couple have struggled to cope with the problems involved in adopting children from disturbed backgrounds.