A PANEL which looks after young people in care is to receive a prestigious award.

Darlington's Corporate Parenting Panel will become the first authority in the country to receive Investing in Children Membership today (THURS).

The award will be presented by Darlington mayor Coun Bryan Thistlethwaite to Coun Cyndi Hughes the council's cabinet member for children and young people.

Corporate Parenting Panels were set up to act as the 'eyes and ears' of a parent for children and young people looked after in care by the council.

Their role is to ensure that the views of children and young people in the care of a council are listened to and taken on board when shaping services.

Occasionally, children and young people have chaired the panel meetings and decided on the agenda.

The panel helped form Darlo Care Crew which gives young people a chance to air their views with the people who make decisions about the services and support they receive.

Coun Hughes said: "As a council, we act as corporate parents to many children and young people and - like any good parent - we welcome the opportunity to listen and act in their best interests. "The fact that the children and young people themselves nominated us for this award clearly demonstrates the value that they put on the service they receive."

Liam Cairns, Investing in Children Director, added: "There is strong evidence here of a how the council, as corporate parents, has engaged with and responded to children and young people's issues and of the value of this approach."

The certificate is valid for one year and will be re-evaluated on an annual basis.