NSPCC's Marsh awarded for outstanding achievement at CYP Now event

Balls addressed a gathering of children's professionals at the ceremony, hosted by Children & Young People Now magazine. He said the death of the child known as Baby P in Haringey had caused much concern in and outside the children's services, but that there was cross-party support for all the good work being done in the sector, both voluntary and statutory. He added that social workers do great work in what is sometimes a dangerous job.

"We need to do more for social workers and that is something we will be looking at," he said.

Other winners included the London borough of Camden, which won council of the year for its rapidly improving outcomes for children and young people; Nottingham University Hospitals Youth Service; Merseyside Police; and Riverside children's centre for its initiative to keep soldiers in Afghanistan in touch with their children. The REACH Pupil Referral Unit in Stoke-on-Trent won the Children & Young People's Services Team of the Year.

Ravi Chandiramani, editor of Children & Young People Now, said: "Over the past few days, there's been plenty of national soul-searching about why some children don't get the care and support they need. But the reality is that day in, day out, throughout the country there are so many inspirational people who work tirelessly and successfully to transform children's and young people's lives for the better.

"These awards shine the light on best practice. The winners are the role models for other children's professionals to follow."

For a full list of winners click here