THE achievements of children in care and foster carers have been recognised in a Disney-themed event.

Wigan Council’s Once Upon A Time event honours young people’s success in ten categories such as improving their own health and being brave.

Foster carers Amanda and Stuart McPike, from Atherton, were given the 101 Dalmations Award.

Stuart said: “We love being foster carers, it’s like a job we do as a whole family but it’s very rewarding.

“We foster a young man with complex needs so it can sometimes be difficult but when he smiles at us it feels great and it’s worth all the hard work.”

A group of young people also won the Special Recognition Award for work supporting the council to transform services for children in care.

Cllr Bullen, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at the council, added: “The event is an enjoyable way to help recognise and build the confidence of children and young people in care.

“Each award represents one of the elements in our Deal for Children and Young People; all the things we encourage children and young people to do to help themselves and others.

“Hundreds were nominated and I am impressed with their resilience and what they have achieved despite sometimes difficult circumstances.”

The event was sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust, Wigan Borough CCG, Agilisys, Next Level Learning and Inspire Children’s Services.