The eighth annual Reporter Series Champion Children Awards was hosted by BBC presenter Clare Frisby at Gomersal Park Hotel.

She told the children: "This is all about you - how wonderful you are, all your achievements over the past year."

Presenting the awards were Coun Margaret Bates, the Rt Rev Arthur Roach, Bishop of Leeds; Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood and Supt John Cunliffe of West Yorkshire Police.

Batley Bulldogs head coach Gary Thornton attended, along with his rival at Dewsbury Rams, Andrew Kelly.

Mr Wood said: "Every year I come here and end up completely moved and uplifted by the experience.

"There's nothing more precious than children, and the children here are an example to us all."

Mr Kelly said it was good to see children being honoured at a time when the area had a lot of bad press.

He said: "If the children and families who are here today represent our community, then we are in good hands."