THE Winsford and Northwich Children in Need social work team won the gold award at the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Over the past 18 months the 28-strong group run by Cheshire West and Chester Council, have carried significantly heavier caseloads than their two sister teams within the local authority.

Despite this the team has now been recognised as the best social work team in the country.

Emma Taylor, director of children’s social care at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This is a team that clearly values and supports its social workers, prioritising ongoing professional development, whilst also supporting students and newly qualified social workers. This has formed the solid foundation for good social work practice.”

The team was one of 78 finalists competing to be named the ‘Overall Social Worker of the Year 2016’ at the awards ceremony in London.

The awards were judged by industry leaders including chief social workers Isabelle Trowler and Lyn Romeo and England manager for the British Association of Social Workers, Maris Stratulis.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This award recognises best practice in children’s social care and teams which consistently make a positive difference to the lives of the children and families they support.”