RESTRICTIONS on who can adopt children in Lancashire are to be loosened -- paving the way for gay couples to raise children.

Lancashire County Council is waiving some existing restrictions in a bid to attract more would-be adoptive parents.

The move brings the authority into line with Blackburn with Darwen Council, which waived restrictions when it became a unitary authority in 1998 and is in line with government policy to encourage more people to adopt.

The news comes as the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reveals that children awaiting adoption in the county could be paired up with parents from other parts of Britain under a new national register piloted by councils including Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire.

Council officials have insisted that the most important thing was that the people applying can love a child. Applications will now be welcome from non-married couples, same-sex couples and single people. People with disabilities will also be able to adopt under the new equality statements being drawn up by social services.

Coun Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for social services at Lancashire County Council, said: "If people can provide a loving, caring and safe environment for a child then we want to hear from them. Other things should not matter.

"Our aim is to have as many children as possible living in a family environment rather than in care homes."

Some 48 children are awaiting adoption in Lancashire and eight within Blackburn and Darwen.

Last year, Lancashire arranged 79 adoptions, almost double the previous seven years' average of 49 per year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Executive Member for Social Services, Sue Reid, said: "What is most important is to identify the right people to love and care for children."