STRENGTHENING child protection took a step forward after Haringey Council's cabinet approved plans for a children's trust.

The Haringey Children's Trust (HCT) has been set up to improve child protection in the borough following a joint area review in the wake of the Baby P case.

It will play a leading role in shaping all children's services including education, social care, health and the police. Its three key priorities are identifying children at risk of harm to ensure their safety, addressing inequalities in education and tackling child poverty.

Councillor Lorna Reith, cabinet member for children and young people, will also chair the children's trust.

She said: "Setting up the trust will be an important part of improving help and support for children across the borough.

"In particular, it will focus on lifting young people and their families out of poverty and keeping children safe."

The trust board will be made up of 34 members including councillors, Haringey's chief executive, representatives from schools, GPs, hospitals and the police.

It will meet six times a year.