An Essex boy whose adoptive dads transformed his life is urging other couples to follow their lead in LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week.

When he was just a toddler, Thomas, whose real identity has been protected, was removed by police from a home in the Colchester area where he had been neglected.

Having been sent to investigate an anonymous tip-off that a young boy was being left alone, officers discovered Thomas padlocked in an upstairs room in very poor conditions.

After spending time in foster care, Thomas was eventually adopted by couple Steve and Paul, also pseudonyms, and has gone on to enjoy a happy and loving childhood.

Thomas, now 12, said: “I was a bit nervous at first and sad to be leaving my foster family, but I was fine after that and thought my dads were awesome.

“They couldn’t be better parents and everything works perfectly.

“I think it is great to have a family and parents, and they give amazing cuddles.”

He added: “If anyone else is thinking about adoption I’d say they should go for it because it makes a huge difference. It gives a child a family and a home, and they are the most important things in life.”

LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week runs from March 5-11.

Steve said he and Paul feared they would be differently to heterosexual parents and Thomas would be bullied, but in reality their experience had been wholly positive.

He added: “Adoption is a wonderful journey and needs to be shared by so many more people.

“People say we changed Thomas’s life but he has changed our world. We were just a couple and now, through adoption, we are a family and he has given us purpose.”

About 13% of the adopters approved by Essex County Council (ECC) in 2016/17 were LGBT – above the national average of 10%.

Dick Madden, ECC cabinet member for Children and Families, said: “Our fantastic foster families and adopters give safe and loving homes to hundreds of children every year.

“They come from all different walks of life and backgrounds, and we are very clear that sexuality is never a barrier.

“More adopters and foster families are still urgently needed and I would encourage anyone with the patience, time and commitment to help change children’s lives to get in touch with us.”

To find out more about adoption and fostering in Essex, visit www.essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk or call 0800 801 530.