YOUNGSTERS in the care of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council were honoured in a special ceremony.

Seventy children and young people, who are all looked after by the council, were nominated by their teachers, carers, social workers and also staff from leisure services, to receive certificates and book tokens to celebrate their achievements over the past year.

The event was held at Blackburn Rover's Ewood Park ground and the presentations were made by Roar, the club's mascot on behalf of the council's social services and education departments.

Jennifer McAlpine, Coronation Street's Fiz Brown, was also there to sign autographs for the children.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for social services, said: "Social Services and Education take on the role of corporate parent for children in our care, so it's only right that we celebrate their achievements just as any family would do.

"These are children who have overcome family break-ups and problems, plus all the upheaval of coming into the care of the local authority, yet they have still managed to achieve.

"They are a credit to themselves and to their families. We are all extremely proud of them."