CLUTCHING each other's hand, this poignant image shows all too plainly that all James and Scott have in the world is each other.

The brothers, aged six and five, long for something that many of us take for granted - a family.

Today, The Chronicle is teaming up with Cheshire County Council to take the unprecedented step of asking our readers a simple question: Can you provide a loving home for these two little boys?

The dearest wish of most boys their age is to meet their favourite footballer - but the inseparable brothers simply dream of a happy, loving home where they can be cared for until they are grown up.

Much of their short lives has been spent in foster care and, despite an exhaustive search by Cheshire social services, a lifelong home still has not been found.

Now, for the first time, the county's fostering and adoption service has decided to appeal through the pages of The Chronicle for a family willing to care for both youngsters.

Social services executive member Lynn Hardwick said: 'It is a tragedy that James and Scott are being denied what should be the birthright of every child - a family to call their own, somewhere to grow, be loved and feel secure.

'Although we are fortunate in Cheshire to have a significant number of adopters, many of these are waiting for a single, very young child.

'Sadly, it is a national problem that children over the age of five are difficult to place - and the challenge is greater when siblings need placing together.

'But we are confident there is a family out there who can offer James and Scott permanence, through adoption or long-term fostering.

'We would be delighted to hear from anyone who thinks they could be that family - whether they are married or single, or are in or out of work.'

Despite having a difficult start in life, James and Scott are like any children their age.

They were born only 10 months apart and for a time every spring they are the same age. In personality and approach to life, however, they are different.

James is much quieter than his brother and likes to be around his foster mother, while Scott is much noisier and altogether more independent.

Both boys love playing in the garden and going for walks in the local forest.

They enjoy school and their reports reflect progress and learning. James has moderate learning difficulties and attends a special unit at the primary school they both attend.

The boys' family finder, Morven Sowerbutts, said: 'James and Scott have had a disrupted childhood but have settled well in their foster family and made lots of progress.

'They desperately need a loving and permanent home, where they can have the security of feeling settled and know they are not moving anywhere.

'The boys are close and need to stay together, and once in a settled environment with the right family, I am hopeful they can become loving and rewarding sons.'

If you think you could offer James and Scott a permanent home, contact Morven Sowerbutts on 01625 534946. Alternatively e-mail morven.sowerbutts@cheshire.gov.uk, or speak to team secretary Katie Patterson on 01625 534946.

James and Scott are among 19 children in Cheshire between the ages of three and 12 who are currently waiting to be adopted.

For more information about adoption or fostering please contact the Cheshire County Council hotline on 01244 602222 or visit www.fosteringincheshire.co.uk