Leicestershire's adoption service says there is a shortage of people willing to take on family groups.

This week, to mark Adoption Week, the service launched a plea for more parents. Only 12 of the 60 children awaiting adoption in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are single children. Of the remainder, there are 18 pairs of brothers and sisters and six sets of three or more. Most are toddlers or school age.

Val Earp, 46, of Coalville, adopted Josephine, four, and Nicola, three, three years ago.
She said: "I thought everything was against me adopting - I'm a single parent, 46, overweight, short, on income support and with a small house. But I was told I could adopt, and it's brilliant.

"I've got an extra two children I never thought I would have - I had a hysterectomy after I had Donna, 20 years ago.
"The kids are gorgeous. Josephine has learning disabilities but loves swimming, and Nicola is a tearaway. They've filled a big gap in my life."

Adoption team manager Faye Andrewes said: "Children will bring fun and excitement into your life, and the adoption team is here to help it all go as smoothly as possible.
"But there are things you should think about - especially if you're considering adopting two or more children. First, do you have the time and space? Second, are you prepared to put the work in to see it through?

"Assessment as an adopter takes around six months. Then you may have to wait to be matched to a suitable child.
"Lots of people we talk to have wrong ideas about who can and who can't adopt. I'd advise anyone, whatever your age or background, to give us a ring and let us invite you to one of our information evenings."

Last year, 52 local families were approved to adopt. There is no upper age-limit, though applicants need to be fit enough to meet the children's present and future needs.

To find out about adoption, call 0116 299 5899 or go to the following website: