Nearly 50 children are currently waiting to be adopted across the county.

The county council is searching for prospective adopters and will hold a number of information evenings next week.

Out of the 45 children needing a home, almost two in three are waiting with their brother or sister.

A council spokesman said: "Children who need adopters come from a variety of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and some may have disabilities or other special needs.

"What the children all have in common is that they have had unsettled and sometimes traumatic experiences and need the love and care that adoptive parents can bring to their young lives."

Those interested in adopting will get a "high quality and professional service" from the council's adoption team.

The authority has successfully matched hundreds of children with families in Cumbria over the years and have skills, expertise and experience to support adopters through the process and match them with a child.

The adoption assessment process takes around six months to complete in most cases.

"Whether you are married or single, divorced or living with a partner, gay or straight, unemployed or disabled, and whatever your cultural background, adopting may be for you," added the spokesman.

The information evenings, starting at 6pm, take place at The Imperial Hotel, Barrow on Tuesday; The George Hotel, Penrith on Wednesday and The Beacon in Whitehaven on Thursday.

More information about the children waiting, the process and the support available can also be found at cumbria.gov.uk/adoption.