The Cathedral has achieved this award in recognition of the range of work it does to offer a warm welcome to all ages. The Education team have welcomed thousands of school children on visits, services and special events. The Sunday school and youth work offered by the Cathedral is growing and developing. The choir has an excellent reputation for developing the children's musical talent and this has been exported into several schools through the Sing Up initiative.

The Cathedral plans to use this award as a springboard for further work to integrate children into its life and work. There are initial plans to launch more all age worship services and increase the opportunities for children to explore their faith.

The Child Friendly Church award was developed by the Diocese of Liverpool in 2004 to recognise churches who have worked to promote a welcome to young people and provide a safe and friendly environment for them to be in church. The award works in a way that is similar to the Investors in People award in that churches need to fulfil a certain amount of criteria to gain the award.

To date nearly 50 churches in the Diocese have received the award and the model has proved so successful it is being replicated in a number of other Church of England Diocese's around the country, the United Reformed Church run a scheme and there are similar schemes across the globe.

Justin Welby, Dean of Liverpool said "I am delighted that the Cathedral's work in providing a welcome to young people has been recognised with the Child Friendly Church award. The Cathedral has put a great deal of effort into our children's work. With highly successful holiday activities, our increasingly popular school and education visits and the activities we offer for young people during services we aim to offer a friendly, caring, stimulating and safe environment so children can enjoy their time in our beautiful cathedral."

Sarah O'Donoghue, Education Officer added "This award is recognition of all the work the Cathedral does with young people, it is a  wonderful testament to all the people who work hard in supporting the nurture and growth of young people in this place and is a great achievement. It is fitting perhaps to receive this in 2010 when we mark 100 years of the Lady Chapel, a part of the Cathedral that has a children's porch, built with children in mind and involving families and school children with its fundraising. Now 100 years we are again highlighting that children are important to the life and work of this Cathedral."