Lancashire's children and young people who are currently being looked after, or have previously been, will gather for a special event this month.

Winners will be announced at the PROUD awards, celebrating the achievements, success and good work of children and young people, who are or have been looked after by Lancashire County Council.

Achievements in their own lives and helping others will be recognised. The event will take place on Friday 23 February.

Any child or young person up to 25 could be nominated for an award either individually or in a group. Nominations took place late last year, with more than 220 received.

Awards will be presented at the event, which has been organised by county council staff and young people themselves.

Nominations were made in the following six award categories:
• Positive choices and achievements
• Responding to the needs of others
• Outstanding service to the community
• UR talented
• Danny Collins inspiration award

PROUD+ was a new category this year. Young people were able to nominate staff and volunteers who have made a difference to their lives.

Over 200 children and young people have been nominated for an award. Nominations have been received from social workers, foster carers, residential units, private providers, schools, Barnardo's and the Children's Society.

County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "I've no doubt that this will be a great evening. It's a good opportunity to celebrate some inspiring children and young people who face significant difficulties in their lives.

"Any parent is proud and happy to see their child doing well, and as the 'corporate parent' of our looked after children, we at the county council feel exactly the same. Especially as these children and young people have probably needed to overcome challenging issues.

"We received over 220 nominations this time, the highest number that we have ever received. I know that the judges had a really tough time choosing the finalists in each category.

"It will be fantastic to be able to celebrate their achievements, whether it's caring for someone, helping out in the community, overcoming personal hardship, volunteering, sporting or artistic talent, or showing outstanding spirit."

"It will be lovely to give so many of our children and young people the chance to get together and have a good time, and for everyone to celebrate them.

"I am very proud of them all, regardless of whether they win an award, or not."

County Councillor Terry Aldridge, Chairman of the county council, also attended the event. He said: "I'm really looking forward to this. It will be marvellous to be able to celebrate with these wonderful young people, who deserve all the praise that we can give."

The event will be attended by senior officers and county councillors, including County Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, leader of Lancashire County Council.

Everyone who is nominated will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of recognition.

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