POTENTIAL adopters are invited to find out more at an information evening in Preston.

The event is to be held next Tuesday (August 8) at County Hall, on Fishergate Hill, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Following a short presentation, members of Lancashire County Council's adoption team, including social workers, will be on hand to answer questions, talk people through the process and offer confidential advice.

Lancashire county councillor Susie Charles, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "We need people from all backgrounds to offer a permanent home and family to children who are not able to live with their birth family.

"You must be over 21 and live in Lancashire or close by, but whatever your race, gender, sexuality, living arrangements, age or employment status, we want to hear from you.

"What matters to us are your personal qualities and that you are able to provide a loving home where you can support and look after a child throughout their childhood and beyond."

Adoptive parents are needed for children from young babies up to eight years of age, and particularly people willing to keep families together by adopting siblings.

Among the 62 Lancashire children ready to be adopted, there are nine two-sibling groups and four three-sibling groups.

Cllr Charles added: "I'm hoping we can encourage people to at least think about adopting two or more children.

"We keep brothers and sisters together whenever we can. For children who cannot be brought up by their own parents, those sibling relationships take on extra importance. In the midst of the trauma and losses these children experience, being placed with a brother or sister can be an important source of comfort and support, and give them the opportunity to grow up together.

"However, we know that adopting siblings might not be for everyone, and we still need adopters to come forward to look after children of all different ages and circumstances."

Adoptive parents are also needed to come forward for children from young babies up to eight years of age, and particularly for the following groups:

- children aged over four, either gender

- children with special needs, disabilities or unpredictable medical issues

- boys of all ages

- and mixed-heritage children of all ages.

To find out more, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/adoption or call the adoption team on 0300-1236723. There's no need to book for the adoption information evening - simply turn up. There is free parking at the Arthur Street car park, next to County Hall, and the Pitt Street entrance is accessible for disabled people.