WORCESTER has kicked off its National Adoption Week celebrations with a tree-planting ceremony.

Worcester MP Mike Foster and Mayor Councillor David Clark were among guests who planted 47 trees to celebrate the number of children who have been successfully adopted over the past year.

They planted the trees at Nunnery Wood Primary School yesterday to symbolise how children can grow and blossom if nurtured properly.

New families are desperately needed to adopt children, particularly older ones and large sibling groups.

"In Worcestershire we need to recruit at least 40 new families over the coming year so we can provide each child waiting to be adopted in our county with the beginning they need," said Debbie Key, team leader of the Recruitment and Training Team at Worcestershire County Council.

"We are hoping to hear from people who may not have considered adoption before but will have lots to offer a child.

"In this county adopters come from all walks of life and are all different shapes and sizes."

Anyone interested in finding out more about adoption can call freephone 0800 028 2158.