A controversial service in South Korea allows desperate mums to drop off their unwanted newborns in a "baby box".

The scheme was started three years ago by pastor Lee Jong-rak in Nangok, a tough working-class neighbourhood in the capital Seoul.

The pastor says he has seen an increase in the number of babies being deposited since adoption laws were changed in August.

South Korea is trying to shed its image as an easy place to pick up babies for adoption by people from abroad, with changes that include measures to prevent people abandoning children anonymously.

There have been reports of babies simply being left in toilets and other public places, a situation that Lee is trying to avoid.

"Suddenly more babies are being dumped. Last month, we had ten babies. And we already have five this month. I was wondering what the reason is, then I realized that there had been a new adoption law."

Lee is currently trying to look after 20 children, many with physical or mental disabilities, in his cramped two-storey home.

Some people claim he is simply encouraging desperate mums to give up their babies.