SCHOOLCHILDREN in Worcestershire have sent special messages of support to youngsters awaiting adoption.

Hand-made stars, complete with meaningful notes, were put on display by the county's adoption recruitment team at County Hall.

The team asked pupils to cut out stars and write on them what they loved most about their family as part of National Adoption Week.

County councillors Trevor Porter and John Smith each selected two of the most inspiring stars and their authors were presented with free books.

The scheme comes after the Evening News launched the adoption campaign "Wishing for a Family", to highlight the number of children waiting for a family to love.

"The aim of the event was to help raise awareness of adoption and to highlight the need for more adopters in the county," said Debbie Key, Fostering and Adoption Team manager.

"Adoption is one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding, things you can do. It means providing a permanent family for children who can no longer be raised by their birth family.

"For a child waiting for a family to adopt them, this can be a dream come true and there will be children who are hoping that National Adoption Week will bring them the family they are wishing for. A family that makes them feel comfortable and cared for."

The county council needs 35 new adoptive families, with a particular need for families who can adopt siblings.

For more information on adoption and fostering, call 0800 028 2158.