A SERVICE which supports youngsters in Craven has been shortlisted for a top accolade.

North Yorkshire’s Children and Young People’s Service is among the finalists in the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

The shortlisting is in the Employer of the Year category, but social worker Tiffany Cook is also in the running for an individual award – Children’s Social Worker of the Year.

Winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London later this month.

North Yorkshire is recognised as being at the forefront of social work practice nationally.

Last year, it became the first local authority to be rated ‘outstanding’ across the board in the Ofsted inspections of local authority children’s services.

And the Department of Education recently highlighted that as of last September, the authority was one of only five not to have any agency social workers.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for the children and young people’s service, said: “Last year’s Ofsted report showed that our social workers have manageable caseloads, with 97 per cent saying they would recommend North Yorkshire as a good place to pursue the profession.

“The number of social workers has increased substantially to ensure increased demand in some areas is addressed and high quality of practice for families is maintained.

“We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as finalists in these national awards, which showcase the council as a brilliant employer for those wanting to succeed in the profession.

"I would also like to congratulate Tiffany, who is a great example of somebody who has an incredible passion for her job.”