A MAGICAL evening of fun and entertainment was enjoyed by hundreds of guest to celebrate the achievements of looked after children in Bolton.

The theme of the 2018 Voice 4U Celebration was “Mystical Magical” with many of the young people arriving as fairies, wizards and other fantastical characters.

Guests included children and young people with their families, foster carers, social workers and the many others who work to improve the lives of the young people in Bolton.

On arrival the young people walked through mystical vines to receive a certificate of achievement before walking down a red carpet to have their photograph taken with the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Elaine Sherrington.

The guests were entertained throughout the evening with theatrical performances from Theatre Dance Studios, Sally Rocking Rebels, Accentu8 dance troupes and The Rapido Brothers Circus Act.

One of the highlights of the night saw three looked after young people perform for the packed audience.

Activities on the night included cake decorating, keyring making, balloon modellers, stone decorating, face painting, and hover archery.

The evening was compered by Ali Khan who also announced Special Recognition Awards, which saw seven young people congratulated and rewarded for their outstanding achievements.

Executive Cabinet Member for Education, Schools, Safeguarding and Looked after Children, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, said: "Voice 4U is always one of the highlights of the year and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our looked-after children and all they have achieved.

"The atmosphere throughout the evening was electric and it was wonderful to see the young people enjoying themselves.

"Bolton is committed to giving every child the best start in life and celebrations like this have a big part to play in doing that."