Abuse drama scoops Italian award

Steven Mackintosh played a victim of care home abuse

A BBC Wales drama inspired by real life tales of abuse in children's homes has added another award to its roll of honour.

Made for BBC One, 'Care' claimed the Prix Italia 2001 in Bologna - its eleventh award this year.

Maria Pride was recognised as best actress for her role

The documentary-like film followed a young man's struggle to come to terms with institutional child abuse during his youth.

It came in the wake of the Waterhouse report, Lost In Care, into child abuse in north Wales.

It uncovered "appalling mistreatment" of children and made over 70 recommendations including the subsequent creation of a children's commissioner for Wales.

Oldest award

Written by Kieran Prendiville, the one-off show, screened in October 2000, bagged the world's oldest TV award at a cermony on Saturday evening.

Ruth Caleb, who co-produced the drama with Louise Panton, said: "This is a campaigning piece of television.

"It's not going to stop abuse, and it's not going to change laws, but I hope it will make people think about the issue."

It's not going to stop abuse, and it's not going to change laws, but I hope it will make people think about the issue

Ruth Caleb, Care co-producer

Prendiville had described his script as "a genuine expression of the rage and shame that this kind of abuse generates."

It had already won Cologne International Film festival gold for best single drama and the BAFTA for best single drama.

Earlier in September, the production won IBC Nombre D'Or single drama award at the IBC Production Festival in Amsterdam.

Steven Mackintosh and Maria Pride have also been recognised as best actor and best actress for their roles in the drama.

Paedophile gang

The central character, Davey, is abused by a paedophile gang in a children's home.

He finally plucks up the courage to tell a school inspector, only to discover that he too is involved in the ring.

The situation eventually proves too much for one of his friends, who commits suicide.

Later in his life, when Davey sees a television news item about abuse at children's homes, he breaks down.

It marked a watershed for BBC Wales, with strong co-operation between News and Drama departments throughout.