PURPLE ribbons have been spotted around Gloucestershire as the county celebrates National Adoption Week.

These purple ribbons form part of an aim from the Gloucestershire County Council adoption team to raise awareness of adoption and the need for more adopting parents.

The council’s adoption team is asking people to show their support for National Adoption Week 2017, which began yesterday, by tying purple ribbons in places around the county.

Residents are encouraged to take a picture and share it using the hashtag #supportadoption and tagging @glosadopt on Twitter and Instagram.

Cllr Richard Boyles, cabinet member for children and young people, said reassured that there is always care and support for those who choose to adopt.

“Adopting is a wonderful way to offer the love and family support to a child or young person.

“Whilst it may seem like a big step we offer full support to all adopters, even after your child is placed and there will always be someone around to help you practically and emotionally.”

There are currently over 15 children in the county needing families to offer them a permanent home.

And number of the children are sibling groups, who can be harder to place.

However, the longer the children stay in care the more difficult it can be to place them with families as they get older.

To speak to the county council’s adoption team or find out more, call 01452 427753, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/adoption or search Facebook for www.facebook.com/Gloucestershire.Adoption