Foster carers are needed for black and Asian children who are in the care of Nottingham county council's Social Services.

The council is to launch a drive this week, in four regions, to recruit carers.

It opens on Monday at the Mansfield Four Seasons shopping centre.

Other sessions are Wednesday at Asda in Loughborough Road, West Bridgford; Thursday at Sainsbury's in Stoney Street, Beeston; and Friday in the Upper Mall, Broadmarsh Centre.

The recruitment drive aims to raise the profile of fostering within black and Asian communities. Coun Dick Anthony, cabinet member for Social Services, said: "It is important for young people to be placed with foster carers who are aware of their cultural, racial and religious needs."

Thirty-one black and Asian children are being looked after by Social Services.

They include babies waiting to be adopted, teenagers with problems at home or young people whose families need a break.

"Currently, only 20% of black and Asian foster children are placed with carers of the same racial brackground, and this is clearly not enough.

"Nottinghamshire Fostering Service has a lot of different types of schemes that are designed to fit in with every lifestyle, varying from support care which can involve regular weekends, through to long-term fostering."

Black and Asian mentors are also being sought for a few hours each week.

For details, contact the recruitment team on 0845 301 8899.