WHEN Worcester couple Lucy and Rachel Clark tied the knot in 2015 they had already decided they wanted to adopt children.

And about a year later, after undergoing adoption assessment and training by Worcestershire County Council, they were matched with three young siblings.

In a matter of just a few weeks theirs went from a family of two to a family of five and they say it completely changed their lives for the better.

The pair, who have been together for 14 years, had decided in 2014 that they wanted to adopt children. Lucy said: “We made the decision about three years ago that we wanted to adopt. It was our first option really. We'd never really considered anything else.

"We always said as well that we wanted siblings as we'd both grown up with siblings. It's the road we'd always wanted to go down."

They contacted Worcestershire County Council's Adoption Service and went along to their first meeting to learn all about adoption and the process.

Lucy added: "The first meeting was really good and we learned a lot about adoption. We went away from it thinking there was so much to consider.

“At that stage we said we were in no real rush to adopt. We wanted to take our time and be 100 per cent sure it was what we wanted and the adoption team was fine with that."

Six months later, the pair entered the first official stage of their adoption journey and they underwent some training sessions.

Rachel said: "It was really hard at first. Everyone there had such a sad story to tell. A lot of them had tried for a baby and it hadn't worked out for one reason or other."

Lucy added: "We had four days of training in total. We then met a social worker and she talked to us individually. They really do pick your lives apart but then I guess adopting a child is such a big thing they really do need to do that. There was still no pressure at that stage to commit.

"Being matched with a child seemed to happen quite quickly. We got an email from our social worker and she said three siblings had come up. She sent us some information and their pictures and told us to have a read. From the moment we saw them, we knew they were right for us.

"After we'd met the foster families who were looking after them, we then went to the approval panel. It only took 10 minutes. We left the room, went back in and we were told we had been approved. We were over the moon."

Within five weeks from April 2016, Lucy and Rachel went from a family of two to five. Their children are now all under the age of six. "We went from a family of two to five in the space of a few weeks. It's completely changed our lives for the better," they said.

Rachel said: “It didn't take them too long to settle in. They are such happy kids. They love nothing more than going to the park which is good because of course it's free.

"They don't want to go to expensive places and we don't need to take them on fancy holidays.

"Because of their difficult start to life, all they want is to feel safe. They love being at home and just love being with us."

"I recommend that people adopt. People may be scared of the process but you just have to be patient. Having siblings is just phenomenal as well," Lucy adds.

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) Adoption & Fostering Week is taking place this week until Sunday March 12. It's a national campaign organised by New Family Social, a charity run by LGBT adopters and foster carers for families and families-to-be.

Worcestershire County Council holds special workshops and drop-in events for same sex couples across the county who are looking to adopt or foster a child.

A drop in event is taking place at The Hive in Worcester on Saturday, March 11 from 10am until 12.30pm for same sex couples to find out more.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for Children and Families, said: "Our number one priority is to make sure children are placed in a home where they feel happy and safe.

"We know same sex couples can provide that for a child so we'd encourage any couples thinking of extending their families to get in touch with us and find out more about fostering and adoption.

"We know the decision to adopt a child or foster a child is one of the biggest, most rewarding decisions anyone can make. Our Fostering and Adoption Service is made up of hardworking, knowledgeable individuals who will offer all the help and support to couples that they need and guide them through this important journey."

Latest figures from the Department for Education show adoptions by same sex couples account for one in 10 of all adoptions in England in 2016.

For more information on adoption in Worcestershire ring 0800 633 5442 or visit www.worcestershireadoption.co.uk and for details on fostering go to www.worcestershirefostering.co.uk or call 0800 028 2158.

For more info about LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week visit www.lgbtadoptfosterweek.org.uk.