More than 70 representatives from children's services attended the Cannock Chase Children and Young People's Conference on Friday, March 27th - and talented schoolchildren from across the district played their part.

The event was organised by the Cannock Chase Children's Trust Board - a multi-agency forum in which Cannock Chase Council is a major partner. Representatives from the local youth forum VOICE, the Primary Care Trust, education, The Prince's Trust, the Youth Service, Cannock Chase Children's Centre and many other partners attended to celebrate all that has been achieved for children and young people over the last 12 months and to look at the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.

Schoolchildren from across the district played their part in making the day a huge success. Young musicians from Etchinghill Primary School in Rugeley and Norton Canes Primary School performed for the representatives, while older pupils from Cannock Chase High School took part in presentations. Very young children from the Cannock Chase Children's Centre also gave a performance to demonstrate the centre's Baby Rhyme Time sessions.

The conference heard about the key priorities of the Cannock Chase Children's Trust Board - teenage pregnancy, youngsters not in education, employment and training and young people's well-being.

Kent Parson, Chair of the Cannock Chase Children's Trust Board, said: "We have a duty to promote the well-being of children and young people in our district and this conference was a chance to find out what we will be focusing on in the future. I am delighted it proved so popular. I would like to thank all of the performers who kept all of the guests entertained. It was a wonderful showcase of our talented young people. I'd also like to thank all the partners who helped put on such a fantastic day."

Tony McGovern, Cannock Chase Council Director, said: "The conference was a huge success and I would like to thank all the partners, who show so much dedication to the young people of the Cannock Chase district. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come together to share our experiences and successes."

Children's Trusts were set up after the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie. The Staffordshire Trust brought together all services for children and young people in the county to focus on improving outcomes for them. The Staffordshire Children's Trust Board was established in April 2005, with the Cannock Chase Children's Trust Board set up in January 2007. It is made up of a number of partners representing key services within the county and district and meets every six weeks.