A TEENAGER who has been instrumental in making sure the voices of young people in care are heard has won an award.

18-year-old Liam Murphy from Barrow took home the Inspirational Young Person (over 18) Award at the Children in Care Council (CiCC) Awards, held at Furness Academy.

This year’s event, which was attended by 240 children, young people, foster carers, social workers, teachers and county councillors, was the sixth consecutive year of the accolades.

Liam is a key member of the Children in Care Council which give young people a voice.

Liam has lived with his foster carer Alex Finnie since he was 10. Liam said: “I couldn’t ask for a more amazing carer.”

The ceremony was hosted by members of the Children in Care Council, with awards presented by Cumbria County Councillors Anne Burns, Christine Bowditch and Sue Sanderson alongside Assistant Director of Children’s Services Lynn Berryman and council Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough.

Cllr Anne Burns, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: "This awards event was originally the idea of the Children in Care Council and each year the event has got better and better. The awards celebrate the successes of children and young people in care, or leaving care, and the staff and carers that support them, including our fabulous foster carers, social care staff, volunteers, teachers and so many more. I really look forward to this annual event because it’s so special to be able to get together and recognise some really fabulous achievements over the last year.”

This year’s awards was supported by a host of local businesses including James Cropper Plc, Sealy UK, BAE Systems Marine Ltd, Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd, Jacobs Field Services Limited and Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, who kindly contributed towards some of the gifts and prizes on the day.

Visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/fostering