More people in Moray, Scotland, are needed to adopt children, and are being asked to shed preconceived ideas about what the process involves.

The local council is using National Adoption Week, which runs until Sunday, to stress the need for adoptive families for older children and brothers and sisters who must be kept together.

Dave Cameron, manager of Moray Council's fostering and adoption team, said many people who first approach the department are keen to adopt a young child or a baby.

"But there is a significant demand from almost all local authorities for adopters to come forward who would be prepared to meet the needs of older children, siblings and those with a disability," said Mr Cameron. He explained that the number of children put up for adoption varies from year to year, and has jumped from two to nine in Moray during the past 12 months. In almost all cases, the children will be placed with adopters from outwith the area.

Mr Cameron said: "In an area the size of Moray there are issues with protecting the identity of both the children and adoptive families.

"Unless it is in the utmost needs of the child they will be placed outwith the area, but generally as close to the north-east as possible.

"In return what we have is a reciprocal arrangement with other local authorities, for which we do have a shortage of prospective adopters."

New legislation currently being considered by the Scottish Executive could lead to unmarried couples being considered as suitable to adopt a child, a move welcomed by Mr Cameron.

He also encouraged single people to come forward, as children do not always have to be adopted by families.

"The first stage of the process will be a visit from a member of our team to explain the needs of the children we are looking to place," said Mr Cameron.

"They are then invited to take part in training before an assessment of their suitability is carried out.

"Initiatives like National Adoption Week do help to convince people who may have been thinking about adoption to come forward and take the first step by contacting us."

To learn more about adoption call the fostering and adoption team on 01343 563568 or visit www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk