COULD you offer a loving, secure, permanent home for a child?

Devon Adoption Service is urging West Devon residents to consider taking on a child for adoption. At any one time, there are around 80 children in Devon who cannot be brought up with their birth family.

Devon Adoption welcomes applications from a huge range of people. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to own your home, be in a relationship, have a job or be under 40 to adopt a child. Everyone is considered, regardless of their situation.

At the moment, the service needs to find homes for sibling groups and older children aged three and above.

Alistair, a single adopter, said: 'Some of my family and friends have said what a wonderful and altruistic thing I, as a single man, have done in adopting an older child, or how lucky Alex is to have me as a Dad.

'I usually respond by saying that it was not altruistic at all, as I adopted him to meet my own needs to be a parent and that in fact I am the lucky one.'

The entire process, from making your application to being approved as an adopter, should take no more than six months. It will include training and support throughout the process and beyond.

Devon Adoption information sessions will be held on Friday, November 28 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Kenn Centre, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7UE or on Friday, December 19 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Civic Centre in Barnstaple.

If you can help change someone's life, call 0345 155 1076 or visit the website devonadoption.org.uk