Children in Lincolnshire are getting their voices heard by people who matter.

Listening To Children Week, organised by North East Lincolnshire Council's Social Services team, was launched at the Queen Street, Grimsby, resource centre.

The week-long event aims to give children the chance to voice their concerns to figures in authority.

Guest of honour at the launch Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell said: "Initiatives like this are a great idea.

"We are all part of the same community and we have got to listen to the views of the kids to ensure they are safe and well looked after."

Peter Hay, director of social services, said: "We do something totally different every year and it is the sort of thing which opens up the department to the public.

"Children's opinions are incredibly important and we really should take the time to listen to their valuable contributions. Increasingly, more and more services are reflecting this need."

Customer services manager Christine Jackson said: "It is something that the Government wants us to do and it is an important issue because children should have a voice.

"Youngsters of all ages are involved, including those who are in our care system."

Youngsters taking part will have the opportunity to grill department heads in question-and-answer sessions.

She added: "An awful lot of people do not know what social work is about and we want to open it up for people, especially teenagers.

"We find children are amused and relaxed when they are playing and are more open with us."

Used courtesy of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph