THE positive contribution made by young people in Rossendale should not be undermined by the tragic death of Sophie Lancaster, according to youth workers.

20-year-old Sophie was attacked in the early hours of Saturday, August 11 at Stubbylee Park in Bacup and died in hospital last Friday.

She was with her boyfriend Robert Maltby, 21, when they were attacked, possibly as they were wearing goth-style clothing.

All sections of the community have expressed shock and dismay at the tragedy, with residents calling for improved safety measures in parks.

But youth workers and champions have said they don't want the incident to reflect badly on the area's young people.

Rossendale Council's Young People's Champion, Brian Essex said: "The death of Sophie Lancaster is a terrible tragedy and I know that workers and young people in the Valley are devastated about it. But I wouldn't want this awful incident to affect the good name of all young people in Rossendale.

"Representatives from Rossendale Council and Lancashire County Council work with teenagers in the area and the overwhelming majority of them are hardworking, responsible and play an active part in their communities.

John Goffee, Head of Lancashire County Council's youth and community service, added: "There is a lot of positive work happening in the Valley, with a number of different agencies working together.

"There is also excellent work going on with younger children, some of them primary school age, who might be just starting out on the wrong path and need to be shown how serious and far-ranging the effects of bad behaviour can be."

Lancashire's Champion for Young People, County Coun Sean Serridge, who lives in Bacup, said: "Young people I have spoken with in Bacup are horrified about last week's tragedy and very concerned that it may affect the way they are viewed.

"Of course everyone is deeply saddened by the death of Sophie Lancaster and there will be a long period of reflection for everyone who works with young people in the area.

"But it is essential that this incident doesn't undermine the ongoing positive work and that all parts of the community are able to pull together to ensure that something like this never happens again."

Five youths have been charged with wounding with intent in connection with the incident. They will appear before Burnley youth court in September.