A dedicated team of people committed to helping disabled children and young people has been given a special award and put forward for a national accolade.

The Scope Inclusion Norfolk team, which is based in Woodcock Road, Norwich, was crowned the winner of the Care Team Award at the Great East of England Care Awards and will now go through to the Great British Care Awards in May next year.

The inspiring team offers individual support to more than 100 disabled children and young people with complex needs across the county to help them access leisure activities such as swimming, horse riding, theatre, clubs or community groups.

Louisa Thomas, service manager at Scope Inclusion Norfolk, said: 'I'm delighted that the team's achievements have been recognised.

'We are very focused on outcomes we set with young people and their families, and we take great pride in assisting the young people to achieve them.

'I believe our work has been recognised because, while we spend most of our 'out and about time' across Norfolk working directly with disabled young people, we also put a lot of effort in to make sure that we work together.

'We believe our team is a real asset to Norfolk and we will proudly represent everyone in the final. We are proud of our work and the organisations we represent, including Scope, Norfolk and Norwich Scope Association (NANSA), Norfolk County Council and of course the children and families we work with.'

Sheila Parish, chief executive officer of NANSA, said: 'NANSA is proud to be a partner organisation with Scope in providing this innovative and successful service for children with disabilities and complex additional needs.

'We are delighted that the Norfolk Scope Inclusion team has won such a prestigious award. It is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and commitment of Louisa Thomas and her team.'

Local people access the Scope Inclusion service through Norfolk County Council.

Alison Thomas, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: 'Congratulations to all in the Norfolk Scope team for winning the regional award. I wish them all the very best at the national Care Team Awards next year.'

The Great East of England Care Awards took place on October 27 at the Imperial War Museum, in Duxford.

Is your organisation celebrating a special achievement? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk