Care leaver Charlie Murray, 19, from Calne, has been given an award in recognition of her achievements. Miss Murray, who used to be in care, helped to organise the 2003 Annual Achievement Awards.

The awards are given to young people in the care of Wiltshire County Council and care leavers.

The aim of the awards is to recognise success stories and build self-esteem among the 280 young people the county council is responsible for looking after.

The ceremony took place at Longleat House recently. It was attended by almost 100 young people with their carers, friends and family and GWR's Black Thunder.

All the young achievers were presented with certificates by Howard Taylor of GWR FM.

Miss Murray said: "These awards help to recognise the achievements of children in foster care and care leavers. Being given an award makes you feel proud of what you have achieved."

Among the award winners were those nominated for working hard at school and doing well at their football club. A group of foster children who took part in a percussion workshop in October, aimed at drumming up more foster carers, were also nominated.

John Woodhouse, the county council children's rights officer, said: "The aim of this event is to show the young people that what they have achieved is important and that the adults in their lives believe in them."

The young people were nominated by staff members, schoolteachers or family and friends.