THE best opportunity for 50 years now exists to improve the lives and health of children, according to the country's Children's Commissioner, Al Aynsley-Green.

He told a conference in Scarborough that there should be more participation by children and young people in the decisions that affect their lives.

The conference was organised by young people in care and North Yorkshire County Council, together with Scarborough Whitby Ryedale Primary Care Trust.

Now in its third year, Talking About Care attracted representatives from health, education and social services, as well as young people with care experience and the carers who look after them.

The attendance of Professor Aynsley-Green was regarded as a coup for organisers, reflecting improvements in services for children in the area.

Jonny Hoyle, one of the organisers working in social services, who was brought up in care, was involved in appointing the Children's Commissioner earlier this year, as one of the panel of 11 to 18-year-olds who interviewed him for the job.

Professor Aynsley-Green said: "I went through the wringer in my interview process. When I talked to the young people afterwards, they felt incredibly proud that they had been listened to, respected, and that they had had a say in what was going on.

"They understood the process and how decisions were being taken and I think there is a two-way benefit in this. There are some schools where students are involved in selecting the headteacher.

"I'm not saying they should be involved in every single appointment, but they could be for people who have a major impact on their lives - such as teachers or even children's doctors."