AN appeal for more people to adopt children in need has been launched in Worcester.

Making the decision to foster or adopt is one the biggest, but one of the most rewarding, according to Worcester County Council's Adoption and Fostering Service.

The service has a new image and wants to attract more people who are thinking about giving a less fortunate child a loving home.

There are more than 400 children who are being looked after in the area and about 200 fostering households but there is currently a national shortage of families adopting and fostering.

At the launch party, on Thursday, February 9, at Worcester Rugby Club, foster carers and staff were thanked for their commitment to developing the new design.

Sara Castro, adoption and fostering development team manager, said: "We've introduced a few new initiatives to help us have more of an impact on the local community and changing our image is just one of them.

"In order for our new image to be effective, we invited existing foster carers to be part of the working group as their input and first-hand experience is very valuable.

"Adoption and fostering are both very rewarding for the carers involved. Foster carers receive financial support, a range of training opportunities and both individual and group support."

New laws that came into force at the end of last year allow same-sex couples and unmarried couples to adopt.

People must be over 21 years old, but can be in or out of work, disabled or able-bodied and of any race or religion.

The new welcome pack covers the steps to adopting a child, criminal record checks, international adoption, child with disabilities, and what kind of support the new guardians get.

Anybody who is interested in finding out more can call 0800 0282158.