A British couple have been barred from adopting their foster children because of their “concerning” views about same-sex parenting.

The couple decided to try to adopt their two foster children themselves after finding out that a gay couple were prospective parents.

The unnamed Christian couple from the Midlands told social services that children need a mother and father. Social services said that this view could be “detrimental to the long-term needs of the children.”

The couple have appealed the decision made by social services in a letter to their local council.