A Scottish local authority is taking advantage to National Foster Care Fortnight to put out an appeal for more would-be carers.

North Lanarkshire Council, which also ran a campaign earlier this year, is hoping that new research which showed that Scots are twice as likely to foster a child as their English counterparts, will help encourage more people to come forwards.

The council is particularly trying to find homes for teenagers, children with special needs and brothers and sisters who need to stay together.

There are currently more than 200 children in North Lanarkshire in foster care or in children's homes.

Jim Dickie, director of the council's social work department, told The Scotsman: "Because of their experiences and problems in their own home, many of the children have emotional difficulties and they will need support and care from foster carers and adoptive parents.

"But carers say that they gain a great deal of satisfaction from helping the children and young people they take into their homes."

No special skills or qualifications are needed - just a caring attitude and a stable home life. Single people are welcome to apply.

The children waiting for foster or adoptive families range in age from babies to teenagers. For more information call 01698 332005 for an information pack.