ADOPTIVE parents, children and staff will gather to release 99 balloons next weekend.

Durham-based agency DFW Adoption will hold the balloon launch to mark National Adoption Week, each balloon representing one of the children helped to find a new family over the last five years.

Past adopters and supporters will meet on Sunday (October 18) for the 1pm lift-off from DFW’s premises in Langley Moor.

Whoever finds the balloon which travels furthest before November 18 will be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Team manager Irene Redshaw said: “We wanted to do something different for National Adoption Week this year and we thought this was a great way to celebrate placing the 99 children.

“It’s a chance for us to get the families and the children involved whilst spreading the word about adoption. So keep your eyes peeled for one of our balloons as you could be a winner.”

National Adoption Week 2015 starts on October 19 with the theme of “Too Old At Four?” emphasising the shortage of adoptive parents coming forward for older children.

For more information on DFW Adoption go to www.dfw.org.uk