VULNERABLE youngsters in York get some of the best care in the country - and that's official.

City of York Council's children's service's department has been awarded beacon status by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the way it looks after "at risk" children.

Murray Rose, from the children's services team, said the accolade was for the work it did under the Children Act 2004 - legislation that was introduced following the inquiry into the tragic death of Victoria Climbie, in Haringey, London.

The beacon award took into account the preventative work the council does with children who may be at risk of committing antisocial behaviour, or who have emotional problems.

The award recognises the achievements of schools, education providers, social care workers, health services, and voluntary and community groups in improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Judges also looked at the work the council and partner organisations do with all schoolchildren, including the Crucial Crew initiative, where the emergency services go into primary schools to talk to Year 6 youngsters.

Coun Glen Bradley, the chair of the education and children's services committee, said: "I would like to extend my hearty congratulations to all the people and agencies who have worked together to make a difference to the lives of young people in York."

This is the third time York has been awarded beacon status for children's services since the scheme was introduced in 2000. Mr Rose said: "We know that many children in the city are now doing better than their elder brothers and sisters because we have all worked hard to improve services.

"York was helped in achieving the award by having an effective Children's Trust in the city.

"The trust has led on getting a shared understanding of what makes children vulnerable and what sort of services they need.

"Winning the award in the past has had a significant positive impact on staff recruitment and retention, as well as morale, and we hope that the new award will bring similar benefits."

Coun Carol Runciman, executive member for children's services, said: "I am really pleased that the Government has recognised the efforts of all those working on early intervention across York.

"The work the council has been doing with children at risk is of vital importance, and I look forward to sharing our good practice with other authorities."

York will be expected to share its knowledge and expertise with other local authorities.

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, March 22, 2006