ANDREW Stephenson, Pendle's MP, has welcomed the announcement of a new £1million trial of mental health assessments for children in care.

The work will include young people are assessed at the right time, with a focus on their individual needs as they enter care.

It will be led by the Anna Freud Centre alongside Action for Children, Child Outcomes Research Consortium, Research in Practice and NSPCC.

In 2015 an Ofsted inspection found Lancashire County Council’s children’s services to be inadequate.

The County’s children services had previously been rated highly by Ofsted.

During the inspection period, three children in care died.

The £1 million pilot is part of £1.7billion pledged by the government to help promote children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Mr Stephenson said, “Lancashire could benefit tremendously from having such a program here.

" Since 2015 there has been real concern about services for children in care in Lancashire, many of whom will face poor mental health.

"The government is showing leadership in taking action to ensure children have the best quality help as early as possible.”

Nadhim Zahawi, minister for children and families said: "Children in care are some of the most vulnerable in society and have often experienced traumatic events, so it is vital they receive care and support that is tailored to their needs."