Prospective parents are being urged to consider adoption as a way to expand their families, after it was revealed there are 885 children in care in Bradford.

Particularly needed are people who could look after youngsters from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, older children and groups of siblings.

An adoption support charity is hosting an Exploring Adoption Day in the city on Monday, to offer information and advice to anyone who wants to know more about the process.

Department for Education figures also reveal more than 5,000 children are in the care system in West Yorkshire and 64,000 children are in care in the UK. However, only 3,200 children are adopted each year, leaving tens of thousands of youngsters in temporary foster care and children’s homes.

The After Adoption charity runs a service called Families that Last, which finds permanent carers for children who cannot stay with their birth parents and provides lifelong support to help placements work.

Natasha Hidderley, of Families that Last, said: “Adoptive parents come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and different ethnicities.

“They can be single, married or in civil partnerships and they can be in work, out of work or completing their studies. Differences are welcome, as we need a wide range of adopters to meet the diverse needs of the children waiting.

“The most important thing for anyone considering adoption is that they are able to offer a loving, stable home for children. Our Families that Last service looks to find permanent homes for children who have waited some time for a family. We particularly need parents who can meet the needs of children from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, older children and sibling groups.”

Families that Last, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has placed more than 100 children with what it calls a “forever family”.

After Adoption’s informal Bradford event will take place on Monday, from 12.30pm to 7pm, at the Holiday Inn Express, at the Leisure Exchange. Anyone who wants more information can phone Families that Last on (0300) 4562656 or e-mail familiesthatlast@afteradoption.org.uk.