Adoption plea to ethnic families

There has been a shortage of families from ethnic minorities adopting children of a similar background in Northamptonshire, a council has said.

More than 200 children and young people from various backgrounds are looked after in the county.

The county council said it urgently needs volunteers to adopt or foster.

"Research shows it is better for a child to be placed with...the right... ethnic background to enable them to settle" a spokesman said.

"[It will help them] to feel a true sense of belonging and to be happy", cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Andrew Grant said.

He added: "There are many children of various ethnicities in Northamptonshire that need loving, caring homes that will explore, embrace, value and celebrate their culture and heritage."

On Monday night the council will be holding an event at Emmanuel Church, Weston Favell Centre in Northampton for people to learn about adopting and fostering and to hear about some of the children needing homes.