New figures show that the number of children in Nottingham placed with adoptive families has risen by 75 per cent.

A total of 70 children in the care of Nottingham City Council were matched with adoptive carers in the year to April, compared with just 40 in the previous year.

And more foster carers were also approved by the council. A report on the city council's adoption agency stated that 27 new adoptive carers were approved last year, offering a possible 51 places for children.

Currently, 38 children are awaiting approval by the city's adoption panel, compared with 48 a year earlier.

The number of children waiting for an adoptive placement is reported to have been cut from 82 last year to 55 this year.