RADIO 1 presenter Greg McKenzie was the special guest at a party to celebrate the achievements of children in the care of Bexley Council.

A well-known mentor to children in care, Mr McKenzie handed out prizes at the fourth awards night to children in care and care leavers.

This year, 78 children and young people were nominated for awards by parents, foster carers, social workers and teachers.

The awards cover seven categories designed to mark achievement against the odds.

These categories are attendance and punctuality, sport, art, academic achievement, perseverance, re-integration and improved relationships.

All the youngsters together with friends, family and support workers were at the evening, held in the civic offices in Bexleyheath.

They provided their own live entertainment for the guests as well as taking the chance to enjoy a buffet and a disco.

Guests included Bexley mayor Councillor Brian Beckwith, council leader Councillor Ian Clement, Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett and cabinet members and other councillors.

Meanwhile, Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin has welcomed the Government's Green Paper, Care Matters, which is designed to improve support and services for children in care.

Mr Austin has been expressing concern about the poor health outcomes and low educational achievement of children in care since 1998, when he was part of a House of Commons health select committee looking at children in care.

Bexley Council has 215 children and young people in its care and Mr Austin said: "Although the number is small, we need to do more to make sure they get the chances available to all children."

He welcomed moves to improve foster care and help children in care to get into the best schools, as well as extra payments for them into their Child Trust Fund and a £2,000 bursary for university.