A drive to encourage more families to adopt a child has been launched.

North Yorkshire has 18 children waiting to be placed and plans to spread the word about the need as part of National Adoption Week.

The total includes one family group of four - aged two, five, six and eight.

Caroline Patmore, the county's executive member for social services, said: "There is also a sibling group of three, aged four, six and seven. The life experience of the seven-year-old has left him traumatised. What he needs is a patient, stable and resilient family life."

She added: "Most of the children we deal with have started their lives with some level of disadvantage.

"What they really need is a loving and caring environment with families who can help them develop and grow."

Families who want to adopt older children are needed now more than ever. Adoptive homes can always be found for babies, but older children are the ones who wait the longest.

Nic Haughton, service manager for adoption in North Yorkshire, said: "Our experiences have shown that children can be successfully placed with new families and bring enormous benefits for all concerned. The main problem is convincing them that is the case."

To find out more, contact 0800 389 2362.