A NEW one-stop fostering and adoption shop has been opened to celebrate National Fostering Fortnight.

Worcestershire County Councillor Liz Eyre opened the shop, which will provide a chance for people to drop in for an informal chat about fostering.

The temporary shop is staffed by members of the county council's fostering and adoption team, foster carers and social workers.

"We want to dispel some of the myths about fostering," said Debbie Key, Worcestershire County Council's Fostering and Adoption team leader.

"You don't have to be married, in work or own your own home.

"There's also a myth that you can't be over 45 years-old, which is untrue."

She revealed that people were flocking to the shop, donated for four days in the Lychgate Centre, Worcester, which opened yesterday.

"One of my colleagues who was working in the shop dashed back at 4.30pm yesterday to grab more leaflets and balloons," said Ms Key.

"It's been a wonderful response so far and we're really pleased as it was the first day.

"We want to get the message out about fostering."

The shop is open between 10am and 4pm until Saturday, June 29 and National Fostering Fortnight runs until Saturday, July 6.