The heart-rending words of 11-year-old twins from Borehamwood are being used in a campaign to find parents to adopt and make children's dreams come true.

Hertfordshire County Council, which has 60 children to find families for, has launched a campaign to find adoptive parents.

The twins, who have not been named, were adopted by a couple from St Albans a year-and-a-half ago.

The girl said: "I like it here with my family, it is the best. I was not loved by my first family, but now it is different and I love my new family very much.

"I was scared, but now I am not scared, and my new family love me too."

Her brother added: "Being adopted is the best thing that has happened to me. I have been here nearly one-and-a-half years and it feels like I have been here forever."

Councillor Robert Gordon, executive member for families, said: "Adoption is about making a real difference to a child's life. Like all parenting, it means sticking with it through good times and bad, but it is one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can do."

The council which is holding an Adoption Day at New Barnfield Training Centre in Hatfield's Travellers Lane on Saturday, October 12 especially needs homes for children who are school-age, siblings or have special needs.

Adoptive parents must be over 21 and offer a permanent, stable and caring home, but otherwise various people can apply, regardless of whether they are single, their sexuality, rent their home or do not work.

For information call the Hertfordshire Adoption Team on 01992 555555.

f=GillSans condensed lmcvicars@london.newsquest.co.uk

October 1, 2002 17:00