TOP business leaders gave a vote of confidence to youth work in Burnley after touring Hameldon Community College.

Bosses including Phillip Green, chief executive of United Utilities, descended on the Byron Street school to talk to 14 and 15 year olds about their hopes for the future.

Part of a Business in the Community initiative, the work is also part of Prince Charles' Seeing is Believing project.

Burnley Council's chief executive Steve Rumbelow was also involved in the event, which saw business chiefs see how they could help youngsters overcome negative perception of today's youth and raise their levels of aspiration.

The industry bigwigs also learned more about SPACE - Social Places for Activities, Chilling Out And Enjoyment - a mobile youth club run by teenagers.