A COUNTY council official, who has championed the cause of children in care for more than 30 years, has received an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Howard Smith, a manager with North Yorkshire County Council, has sought to give young people in care responsibilities and opportunities to make a mark.

For example, whenever possible he employed young people who had been in the care of North Yorkshire in the county council’s Leaving Care team.

One of these young people went on to become the director of ‘A National Voice’, a campaign group that advises government on care policy issues.

Mr Smith also became the godparent to the child of a young person he had worked with.

In recent years he has been involved in organising regional events in Yorkshire and the Humber to share and celebrate good practice for children and young people in the care system.

His role involves the commissioning of placements for looked after children and he works with a range of statutory, voluntary and private providers to make sure that children needing care have the best possible placements made available.

He said: "Throughout my career I have been privileged to work with colleagues in a local authority that has allowed me to be part of making a difference. I am very proud to receive this honour."

Cynthia Welbourn, director of North Yorkshire’s children and young people’s service, said: "Howard has been involved in seriously important work for this authority, bringing opportunities and seeking security for some of our most vulnerable young people at the most vulnerable stage in their lives – when they are leaving care. "Above all, he has made a lasting impression on the young people with whom he has worked and to whom he remains committed.

"This honour is in recognition of his integrity and the important role he has played in the lives of the young people in our care."

Councillor Carl Les, member for children and young people, said: "As well as this well-deserved recognition Howard Smith deserves thanks for his dedication to this crucial work of supporting young people who are placed in the care of this authority."