Shining success of Lancashire's children and young people in care crowned at prestigious awards
The shining achievements of children and young people who experience care in Lancashire have been praised at a celebratory awards event.
The PROUD Awards 2026, hosted by Lancashire County Council in Burnley, recognise and reward the achievements, resilience and talents of around 120 children and young people in care or care leavers.
The event was held in an atmosphere where children felt celebrated, safe and confident to shine, with a host of glittering raffle prizes for the children and entertainment to ensure every child felt valued and celebrated.
Also featured was a range of entertainment by the children, showcasing their creativity, courage and confidence which many members of the audience found highly moving.
The glittering awards event was attended and made possible by dedicated staff from the children in our care and care leavers team, social workers and colleagues who supported and attended, including those who also took the time to submit nominations, ensuring that children's achievements were honoured.
Louise Anderson, Director of Children's Social Care, said:
"The evening reinforced our shared commitment as a council to stand alongside our children and young people as their corporate parents, and gave our children a night they truly deserved, where they were recognised not for their circumstances, but for who they are and what they can achieve.
"The PROUD awards were sophisticated yet genuinely child‑friendly, held in an atmosphere where children felt celebrated, safe and confident to shine.
"I was delighted at the entertainment, which was outstanding, with a remarkable range of performances which moved many of us in the room, and the generosity on the night was exceptional, with raffle prizes that went well beyond expectations.
"The PROUD Awards are a powerful expression of our corporate parenting responsibility, and last night demonstrated, in the most tangible way, the difference that belief, care and collective effort can make to children’s lives."
County Councillor Simon Evans, cabinet member for Children and Families, said:
"We are thrilled to have been able to acknowledge and recognise the outstanding achievements, resilience and talents of all the children and young people who experience care in Lancashire.
"The PROUD Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the achievements of our children, young people and the professionals who support them.
"Children, young people and care leavers can often face a variety of challenges, and we can learn a great deal from their resilience, determination and successes."