THIS Christmas, 33 adopted children in Wiltshire will spend their first festive season with their new families.

Since August, Wiltshire Council has been running a campaign to raise the profile of adoption and to encourage more people to ‘help our children find a family’.

But despite an increase in the number of adoptions this year, 35 children are still waiting to be taken in by loving parents.

Cabinet member for children services Laura Mayes said: “It is great news that so many children will be spending Christmas with their new families for the first time.

“As well as the huge benefits adoption brings to children by allowing them to grow up in a loving environment and to enjoy occasions like Christmas as part of a stable family, it is also immensely rewarding for the adopters.

“There are many myths about who can adopt, but in reality there are very few limitations on who can be considered.

“I would encourage more people to come forward in 2014 to help children waiting to be adopted to spend next Christmas as part of a new family.”

Between April and September 2013, 27 children were adopted.

To find out more about adoption visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/health andsocialcare/adoption or call the adoption team on 0800 169 6321.