A ROSS-on-Wye based business helped sponsor a category in a special awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of children and young people within the care system.

Family members and carers of children and young people came together to celebrate their individual and collective successes at a special awards event held recently at Hereford Racecourse.

The event was hosted by Tori Lynch the service director for corporate parenting, the awards recognise the talent and achievements of children and young people currently in the care of the local authority.

Awards were presented across six categories. Each award was sponsored by a supportive organisation that included Dawleys, a company that outsources customer service, data cleansing and ecommerce, based in the Ashburton Industrial Estate in Ross, and sponsored the category Herefordshire Heroes and enabled the winner to receive £250.

Alongside the awards, children’s services staff and the children and young people enjoyed a fun afternoon filled with competitions, music, dancing and food.

Councillor Ivan Powell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We’re really pleased to hold this event for a second year and to see so many of our care experienced children and young people attending.

“These awards are an important date in our calendar, giving us the chance to come together to recognise and celebrate their incredible achievements. Well done to all the nominees and huge congratulations to this year’s award winners and a big thank you to the generous sponsors of the awards.”

Tina Russell, corporate director of children and young people, added: “These awards really matter because they allow us to recognise the progress and achievements of our young people who have navigated many challenges in their lives and to show them just how proud we are of them here in Herefordshire.”

The event highlights Herefordshire Council’s ongoing commitment as corporate parents to championing care experienced children and ensuring their achievements are recognised and celebrated.