Jack Straw stands down as chair of Blackburn Youth Zone

The 77-year-old, who served as MP for Blackburn from 1979 to 2015, will be replaced by Wayne Wild, the former group commercial director of the Darwen-based WEC Group.

Mr Straw - who served as Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary in the Labour government from 1997 to 2010 - became chair of The Youth Zone in 2015 on retiring as an MP.

He said: "It’s been such a privilege to chair the Youth Zone for the past eight and a half years.

"It’s a brilliant organisation now serving 1,200 youngsters (and more) each week.

"This is the right time for me to step down from the chair (though I shall remain a trustee) – and I can think of no one better than Wayne Wild to lead from now on.

Wayne Wild will take over as chair

"He’s an extraordinary dynamo, with immense energy who’s already transformed youth services in Darwen.

"He will have my unwavering support.”

The Youth Zone's Blackburn centre in Jubilee Street is undergoing a £2.9 million upgrade incorporating the neighbouring Fuse Box as a brand new employment and skills hub.

Its Darwen branch, launched last year, is expected to move into the town's youth centre in Knott Street after a £3.3m renovation doubles it in size.

Andrew Graham, founder and trustee of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, said: “We are immensely grateful for Jack’s unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution to Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone.

"His leadership has been a guiding force for us, and his impact will continue to be felt in the years to come.

As Blackburn MP Jack Straw was a leading figure during Labour's period in power

“We are excited to welcome Wayne Wild to his new role. Wayne brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission.

"We believe under Wayne’s leadership, Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community.”

Blackburn-born Mr Wild, 56, who is also chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board, said: “As a born and bred Blackburner and passionate Trustee of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zones, I could not be more honoured to be taking on the role of chair, and especially to be succeeding Jack, whose contribution to the Youth Zone since its inception is immeasurable.

Blackburn Youth Zone

“As a charity dedicated to young people, Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone provides over sixty hours of services when schools are closed.

"With over 4,500 members benefitting, our provision takes place at a state-of-the-art centre in Blackburn, our satellite site in Darwen and within the community.

"Core services are open for ages five to 19, and we also have dedicated SEND and Employability services open to young adults up to the age of 25.

“This is why it is important that, as a community, we ensure that we come together to invest and secure the future for Blackburn and Darwen’s young people.

“It takes a minimum of £2.2 million every year to keep our doors open.

“We have a responsibility to help support and nurture the young people of this community.

"Now more than ever, young people need our understanding, guidance and knowledge to help give them the tools needed to build a brighter future.”