Social services in Devon is calling on young care leavers to help them to improve services for other looked-after children in the county.

A special event to hear about the "warts and all" experiences of people who have gone through the local authority care system in Devon in the past five years is being organised by the Children's Society next month.

Anyone willing to help should register their interest with the charity by calling 01392 445810 by Friday May 25.

About 700 children are in care in Devon at any one time, being looked after in residential care homes or by foster families.

The consultation exercise is part of a major review of Children's Services in the county and aims to look at past mistakes and success stories to find ways of improving services.

Assistant director for Devon social services Anne Whitely said: "We really want to hear from people who have left Devon County Council care in the past five years to learn from their experience.

"By using an independent agency to run this event, we hope more people will be encouraged to come forward to tell us about their experience - warts and all."