A Blackburn charity has been recognised for its efforts in helping inspire young people after it was honoured with the Investing in Children Membership award.

Founded in 2006, IMO Charity, which stands for Inspire, Motivate, and Overcome, hosts a number of community events in Blackburn.

Investing in Children (IiC) has been operating for 27 years with a team of staff, volunteers and student placements.

It runs groups, projects, forums, training and research initiatives focused on children and young people. 

The IiC award aims to give organisations national recognition for 'actively including children and young people in dialogue that results in change'. 

Project manager at Investing in Children, Chris Affleck, said: “Each weekend around 100 young people can attend the IMO sessions.

"IMO is well connected within the community promoting their project work through local organisations and services with the majority of referrals coming via word of mouth.”

The charity said it was delighted to receive the award again

Chief executive of IMO Charity, Mohammed Sidat, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award again. 

“It reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers and most importantly, the young people who are at the heart of everything we do.

"We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve, always striving to meet the needs of our community.”

One young participant said: “We’ve taken our climate change message directly to our schools, educating our peers because we believe that youth education is the key to a sustainable future in Blackburn with Darwen. 

“As young leaders, it’s crucial for our generation to understand the profound impact our actions have on the environment.

"Our presentations are empowering our peers to become informed advocates for change.”