A NORTH-EAST social worker has been honoured for his work by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Nick Murray, who is based in Peterlee, east Durham, was among 200 staff from across the country invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street to mark their commitment.

It followed an announcement by the Department of Health that it plans to run a second advertising campaign to encourage more people into social work and social care, as part of a three-year initiative launched last October.

Mr Blair said: "Social workers throughout this country perform challenging and vital work every day.

"Yet they are the unsung heroes of the public services - their compassion and care for others is rarely recognised publicly.

"It is their dedication that helps hundreds of thousands of individuals and families every year through difficult periods in their lives, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to thank them."

Mr Murray said: "The invitation to Downing Street was a huge privilege and a fantastic experience. I was very proud to represent my colleagues, the work we do and this department."

People interested in becoming social workers or social carers can ring 0845 604 6404 or can log on to socialworkcareers.co.uk