CBBC enjoys success at KidScreen Awards

CBBC celebrated winning five prizes at the inaugural KidScreen Awards last week, including two gongs for a Newsround special.

The newly introduced awards pay tribute to outstanding programming and content which engages and entertains children, early teenagers and families.

At a ceremony in New York, Newsround's documentary Gone took home two awards for best one-off programme in the children's category and best writing in the creative talent section.

Presented by BAFTA-winner Barney Harwood, Gone told the story of four children dealing with the death of a loved one.

First aired on CBBC in December 2008, Kindle Entertainment's film Dustbin Baby was named best one-off special in the family category and also given the best acting prize in the creative talent section.

Based on Jacqueline Wilson's novel, the feature-length drama follows a teenager as she embarks on a voyage of self-discovery. Starring Dakota Blue Richards, the film also won an International Emmy and a Children's BAFTA for Helen Blakeman's screenplay.

CBBC's Escape From Scorpion Island won the KidScreen award for best non-animated series in recognition of its real life adventure game for children.

"I'm truly delighted that CBBC programmes are being recognised globally for being original and inspiring to children everywhere," said BBC Children's director Joe Godwin.

"It's especially satisfying to win awards for really distinctive and hard-hitting factual and drama, which has always been, and always will be, a unique and central part of what BBC Children's does."

Elsewhere at the awards, Sesame Workshop was the biggest winner in the pre-school category after being named best animated series for Bert & Ernie and best non-animated programme for Sesame Street.

The not-for-profit company also scooped the best companion website award and best music prize for its long-running programme, The Electric Company.