A speedy, 'child-friendly' system for young people in care to raise complaints has been hailed a success.

Since its launch, four times as many 'looked-after' youngsters have taken the opportunity to complain about their care - but all of the complaints have been resolved, on average within two-and-a-half weeks.

Sue Wright, who is children's complaints officer at Bradford social services, has reported a 100 per cent clear-up rate in the complaints made to her since taking up her job last April.

"My role is quite unusual, we think there is only one other complaints officer for 'looked-after' children in the Yorkshire and Humber region," she said.

"All the complaints have been resolved to the young people's satisfaction, on an informal basis.

"This means they have been happy with the outcome and have not wanted the complaint to be pursued within formal channels."

Before the system was set up, there were 19 complaints made by children in care in the year 1998/1999.

Since April 2000, 73 complaints have been made to Sue Wright under the new system. Complaints range from the serious to the trivial, and have included:

l A child complained expenses had been withdrawn for contact visits with family. After an investigation, contact expenses were agreed.

l A girl complained that another resident of her children's home was receiving preferential treatment. This was not the case. When the situation was fully explained to the complainant, the matter was resolved.

Mrs Wright said: "I am so impressed at the amount of hard work, which these young people are prepared to do prior to these events - and their limitless enthusiasm for further such work."

Liam Hughes, director of social services, said the youngsters had been "amazingly impressed" by the speed at which their concerns were looked into.