VULNERABLE youngsters have been given a say in their care, thanks to an innovative social worker.

Angela Davies, children's services viewpoint co-ordinator with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, implemented an interactive computer programme to allow young people to put forward their views on their care support.

The scheme won Ms Davies an Innovation Award, presented by her bosses at the town hall.

Councils across the North-East have adopted child protection procedures devised by Yvonne Powell, the council's children's safeguarding development manager, who has won the Partnership Working Award.

Councillor Valerie Halton, cabinet member for health and social services, said: "In my view, all social care staff are stars.

"But the winners of these awards have been chosen by fellow professionals and service users as being outstanding in their dedication to improving the quality of life for vulnerable people."

The Outstanding Achievement Award went to Skelton Social Skills Centre manager Keith Wilcox, who has been involved in the Special Olympics movement for many years and has now been promoted to manager of the Great Britain team.

Children and adult service users voted for their own stars - residential social worker Victoria Leak, from Bylands Children's Home, Redcar, and home care assistants Ann Breeze and Janet Hambley.

The Joint Directors' Award went to Jackie Liddle, workforce development co-ordinator, while Mark Gray, planning manager, won the award of Social Care Manager of the Year. Team of the Year was the council's teenage pregnancy team.