PEOPLE from across Lancashire are invited to an information event on adoption.

There will be a short presentation and members of the county council's adoption team, including social workers, will be available to answer questions, talk you through the process and offer confidential advice.

Cllr 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 matter 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 100 Lancashire children currently ready to be adopted, there are 13 two-sibling groups and five three-sibling groups.

The information session will be held on Tuesday, October 3 at County Hall, on Fishergate Hill in Preston, from 6pm to 7.30pm. For more information visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/adoption or by calling the adoption team on 0300 123 6723.