TWO members of Darlington Borough Council's social services department enjoyed a treat when they were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street.

Helen Armstrong and Mary Sweeney were among hundreds of employees from various authorities who joined Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie, at their official home.

The event was to celebrate the hard work done by the many "unsung heroines and heroes" of the profession.

To start their evening, Helen and Mary visited the Department of Health, where they met the Chief Inspector of the Social Services Inspectorate, Denise Platt, and Jacqui Smith, the Minister for Social Care.

After a short photograph session, Helen and Mary went to Downing Street for the main reception.

Helen was one of five people selected to meet the Prime Minister and have her photograph taken with him both with the group and individually.

Talking about the visit, service development manager Helen said: "Visiting Downing Street was an unforgettable experience. As well as giving us the chance to peek behind the doors of power, the event gave us the chance to talk to other social services professionals."

Helen was put forward for the visit because of her excellent work in the Tackling Teenage Pregnancy Initiative.

Mary was nominated for her work as a children's home manager and her work in improving the quality of life for young people in residential homes.