AN appeal is being made for LGBT people across Trafford who might consider adopting children.

The call comes as part of the LGBT Fostering and Adoption week, from March 5 to March 11.

The week is organised by Adoption Counts, a regional agency, which works on behalf of on behalf of Trafford and four other local authorities in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

An agency spokesman said: “We are encouraging all sections of the community to come forward and adopt.

"You can be gay, transsexual, bi-sexual, single, in a same-sex relationship, in a civil partnership or co-habiting — all applications are very welcome and treated equally.”

A gay couple, Dan and Tom, who adopted under the scheme, had some issues in the beginning and initially found the process both a little daunting and in coming to terms with being a same-sex couple who were applying to adopt, but found the agency very supportive.

Dan said: “Tom and I both knew we wanted children from the beginning and adoption came to be the natural process moving forward.

“Our son is growing into a little character and particularly loves music, songs, story and rhyme, and his favourite activity is going to his toddler friendly music maker session at a Manchester nightclub!

“He also loves swimming and family days out and couldn’t contain his excitement when seeing all the animals for the first time on a recent trip to Knowsley Safari Park.

“Although family days are great, it’s the little things that count, like patting the family dog on the sofa, eating all the meals we cook for him and night-time cuddles before bed.

"All these moments make it all worthwhile and just melt your heart.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming adopters in Trafford should contact Adoption Counts on 0300 123 2676 or visit adoptioncounts.org.uk.

For more information on Proud 2be Parents, visitproud2bparents.co.uk