I personally feel a deep shame that this happened - an appalling episode in the history of social care

Dylan Owen, Cyngor Gwynedd social services statutory director

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She praised the victims who had “bravely” come forward to finally get justice.

Dylan Owen, Cyngor Gwynedd social services statutory director, said: “The very last thing that any director of social services or anyone who works for social care is for anyone to be mistreated and to be abused in this manner. I personally feel a deep shame that this happened - an appalling episode in the history of social care in North Wales and Gwynedd. We don't hesitate in providing that apology.”

Council leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: “The report turns your stomach really.

“The voice of the children should have been heard. As Dylan said an apology means nothing without action.

“We have to listen to children and empower them. We need to normalise being able to speak about sexual abuse so the children have the opportunity to come forward and be listened to.”

The Council said it accepts all the findings of the Child Practice Review Report; takes responsibility for the failures that are highlighted; apologises unreservedly to all victims and commits to continue to work to improve safeguarding arrangements in the county's schools.

The leader added: “On behalf of the Council, I apologise to all those who have suffered and pay tribute to their courage and strength. The task of putting the situation right locally has begun.

“To drive this critical work forward, we have established a Programme Board chaired by Professor Sally Holland, an authority on social care and a former Children's Commissioner for Wales.

“Child protection experts from several national organisations are also present at all Board meetings as observers, providing valuable input. We will go through the report with a fine-tooth comb to identify what further steps need to be taken so that mistakes are not repeated.

“We will not hide from our responsibility to do whatever it takes to protect children - now and into the future.”