Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to consider adoption by a new campaign which will also look to dispel myths around who is eligible to adopt a child.

The Adopt Archie campaign, run by Oxfordshire County Council and its partner, Adopt Thames Valley, centres on Archie, a two-year-old in need of a loving home.

Archie is described as "a delightful, kind little boy with a curiosity for the world around him" and an "infectious giggle and playful spirit".

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people's services, said: "You don’t need specialised skills to adopt Archie or to give any other child a caring home.

"You just need the ability to recognise their potential and provide them with the love and support they need to learn and grow."

Archie, who is looking for his "forever home," enjoys playing with toy cars, building towers, and splashing about in water.

With a special fondness for messy play, he enjoys activities involving sand, paint, and mud, and is also captivated by sensory toys that make different sounds.

His favourite foods include baked beans, ham sandwiches, hula hoops, jacket potatoes, pasta, and cake.

Archie, who enjoys the company of other children and loves animals, has been with the same foster carer since he was a baby and shares a "warm" relationship with them.

Councillor Howson added: "Archie is a wonderful little boy, searching for a loving family who can truly appreciate him for who he is, looking beyond his additional needs.

"While his health and developmental needs means he reaches milestones slower than his peers, he is making great progress.

"He needs a family that can help him attend essential appointments, such as speech, language and physiotherapy.

"But most of all, he needs love, support and time. Could you be Archie’s forever family?"

Oxfordshire County Council is keen to hear from potential adopters, both single and couples.

The council said there are misconceptions that single people, older people, and those who are LGBTQ+ are not allowed to adopt, but reassured people this is not the case.

It is also keen to hear from potential adoptive parents who have Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, as children from these backgrounds traditionally wait longer to be matched with an adoptive family.

Having experience of caring for children, whether in a professional or personal capacity, is a bonus when coming forward to adopt.

The county council said: "If you believe Archie, or another child, could become part of your family, please call 0800 731 0171 for an initial, no-obligation conversation."