THE achievements of young care leavers from the borough have been celebrated at a special awards event.

Wigan Council's annual ceremony recognises those who have overcome tough circumstances to achieve stability and success.

Councillor Jenny Bullen, cabinet member for children and families, presented the awards alongside other council members.

Councillor Bullen said: "This awards ceremony is one of my favourite events of the year.

"It’s an opportunity to hear so many positive stories about young people who, with some support, but also through their own resilience, have achieved so much.

"In Wigan Borough, I really do feel like our care leavers and our staff team excel at working together and this helps us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people.

"Thank you to our care leavers and to our staff for the hard work and dedication that has gone into some of the achievements we’ve celebrated at this awards event, it is a privilege to support you."

Aidan Hayes, 23, from Leigh, was awarded the Care Leaver of the Year Award for his achievements in his apprenticeship while becoming a father.

This led him to secure a full-time position at Wigan Council.

Awards were given out in 11 different categories, including Peer Role Model, Academic Achiever, Community Contribution, Parent of the Year, and the Trish Hurlock Special Award, which recognises young people who have overcome adversity.

Care leaver Holly Warburton, 21, was the winner of this year’s Community Contribution Award.

Holly said: "I was so overwhelmed and grateful, not only for the award but for the help and support I’ve received over the years and the great bond I’ve had with my personal advisors.

"It was a day of pure brilliance and joyful emotion."

Alisha Hilton, 24, from Hindley, won this year’s Parent of the Year award.

Alisha said: "I would like to thank my personal advisor, Lynn, for not only nominating me for the award but for recognising the changes and challenges I’ve faced to be stood where I am now.

"It’s important that we have the care leavers awards in Wigan because most of us don’t have that person to acknowledge our achievements and it’s hard for us to recognise them ourselves."

Local youth support organisations helped to make the awards day even more special for the young people involved, with Inicio Group sponsoring the event and Inspire donating some raffle prizes.

Councillor Bullen added: "I want to say to any young care leavers who might be reading this to continue reaching for your own ambitions.

"We will be here to support you along the way."