FROM a childhood in care to a fully fledged future in the community -- that's the achievement of some youngsters in Blackpool.

The annual Care Leavers Civic Awards took place for the second year running last week at Blackpool Town Hall in recognition of the success of young people who have left the care of the local authority to become independent citizens in the community or have returned home.

Twelve young people received awards for a variety of academic, educational, organisational, sporting and employment achievements as well as kind acts of befriending and involvement in local and national organisations that encourage young people to be heard.

Mary, David, Billy, Amanda, Anthony, Lloyd, Jodie, Danny, Rachel, Danny, Shaun, and Vicky have asked for only their first names to be printed.

The awards were sponsored by Soroptomists International of Blackpool, Dr and Mrs Vasudev, The Swallowdale Children's Trust, Blackpool Rugby League Supporters Club, Beneast Training, Blackpool Football Club, The De Vere Hotel, Spectrum Cleaning Services, Northern Care, Blackpool Challenge Partnership, Glasdon, Safety First North West LTD and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Blackpool Mayor Sue Wright, executive member for housing and social services Coun David Ferris, along with the placement and resources manager Diane Vincent presented the awards