Ref. 25736-7MELINDA Messenger has urged Swindon couples who want a child to consider adoption.

Launching a recruitment drive for adoptive families, Melinda, who was recently voted celebrity mum-of-the-year, says she is planning to adopt two or three children herself.

The television presenter from Wanborough whose third child is due in December says she does not feel there is any difference between having her own child and adopting one.

"They all need the same care and protection," she said.

Melinda, assisted by pupils from Noremarsh Junior School, released 138 balloons into the air at Lydiard Park yesterday as part of the event organised by the South West Adoption Consor-tium one for every child waiting for an adoptive family in the South West.

In Swindon 20 children are waiting for adoption and the hardest task is matching each child with a suitable couple.

Rose Blackburn, of the North and West Wiltshire Family Placement Team, said: "The majority of people who come forward are couples with fertility problems who are looking for little babies to create a family.

"We want to help people foster and adopt older children as well."

The message for couples considering adoption is: "Don't rule yourself out." For more information call 0845 1220411.