A mum who knows the rewards adoption can bring has urged people to provide 'forever homes' to transform the lives of Norfolk children.

In National Adoption Week, Norfolk County Council is appealing for people to consider becoming adoptive parents - as it looks for homes for almost 20 children.

And Norfolk mum Imogen has spoken about her own experience of adoption, which she described as "the greatest thing I've ever been part of."

Imogen is part of a family of four - none of whom are biologically related. She has an adopted son and a stepdaughter, who was conceived via a sperm donor.

She said: "I think everybody, who is in the position to, should consider adoption – and not as a last resort.

"It will change your life and, more importantly, it will change their life forever.

"I've done a lot of great stuff with my life, but adopting, transforming a child's life, is easily the greatest thing I've ever been part of."

The county council and its partner Adopt East is looking for parents for 18 children in care waiting for 'forever homes'.

Adopters are needed for children of all ages, but is particularly looking for adopters for brothers and sisters, toddlers, children aged four and older, and children with disabilities.

And the council is keen to stress children will find loving homes in what might not be considered 'traditional family units'.

Imogen says her family shares an incredible bond and that her stepdaughter and son have an amazing relationship.
  
She said: "There's no greater challenge and no greater reward than adopting a child.

"Parenting any child can be tough, but adoption is the Olympics of parenting - it's a challenge like no other and all those who take part are pretty much rockstars."

READ MORE: Norfolk County Council in foster carers for children plea

Penny CarpenterPenny Carpenter (Image: James Bass)

Penny Carpenter, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said adoptive parents receive support from the council's adoption team.

She said: “It is love and security that creates a family, rather than blood and genetics, and it is love and security which children in our care really need.

"We have children who have had a very difficult starts to their lives who need a parent or parents that show them what family means."

People interested in adopting should visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/adoption or call 01603 638343.