Over 5,000 children in the UK won't be spending Christmas this year with their parents. But Geoff and Marie Bowley, from Stapleford, Notts, have welcomed two adopted children into their home. And they say they now have a "complete family". Mr and Mrs Bowley tell their story to Katharine Barney from the Nottingham Evening Post.

We- already had one child when we adopted but we desperately wanted more and were unable to have them.

We had been married for 12 years when Marie had our son Callum who's nine now. Before he was born, Marie suffered from several miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy.

As a result, we were warned that it would be dangerous for Marie to have any more children. Our decision to adopt was selfish in a way. We wanted a brother or sister for Callum and a more complete family for ourselves, so we started to look at adoption.

We had to complete a period of assessment, preparation and training before being formally approved by the Adoption Panel. Initially, we had a picture in our minds of the kind of children we wanted, I think all people do. We like to believe that they won't have any problems. That applies as much to our own birth children as it does to adopted children.

It took ten months before James came to us, which allows both sides time to adjust. James was three when he came to us and had been badly deprived. This had affected him badly both physically and emotionally, so it wasn't surprising he had some behavioural problems.

He would only smile for effect, to try and please us, not because he was genuinely happy. It was such an empty smile. Now he's developed his own personality and when he smiles or laughs it's because he feels genuinely happy.

James is five now and the difference has been dramatic and we've learnt so much from him along the way. It's hard to stand back and remember how difficult things were. We've also adopted his half-sister Anna who is going to be three this month.

We were particularly careful not to deprive Callum of the attention he was used to and ensure that he didn't feel left out. We always make sure that Callum has his own space and time with us. We are a complete family now and that's all we ever wanted.

Some people might think of adoption as something negative, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Adoption doesn't necessarily mean trouble, but take any child out of an environment they're used to, however bad the circumstances, and it's going to be difficult. We're so proud of all our children and so pleased to have this family.

Marie and Geoff Bowley adopted though Families are Best which is the adoptive service of the Catholic Children's Society, Nottingham. Tel: 0115 955 8811.