A SPECIAL celebration event marking the achievements of Middlesbrough’s looked after children has proved a huge success.

The young people, who are in residential care or foster homes, received certificates after writing down their most outstanding achievement of the year.

Councillor Mike Carr, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for children, families and learning, said: “It’s often said that this town’s young people are the future of this town – indeed they are its only future.

“That’s why it has always been one of our priorities to ensure that they get the very best possible start in life, and that when things go wrong, the support is there to ensure they have the help and safeguarding they need.

“Our looked after children have a vital role to play in Middlesbrough, and this evening is a well deserved celebration of the hurdles they have overcome and the things they have achieved.”