A YOUTH group from Burnley has been nominated for a prestigious award for their work in tackling drug issues in the Muslim community.

The ‘Playing our Part’ project, which hopes to educate youngsters about the dangers of drugs has been put forward for the Prince’s Trust Community Impact Award in recognition of the group members efforts.

The young men from Pakistani backgrounds applied for a Community Cash Award and now aim to help hundreds of other young Muslims in their area.

Founders of the project have a unique insight into the problems of those suffering from social exclusion, as all members of the group were previously unemployed before they decided to turn their previous negative experience around to help others.

Group member Mohammed,19, said: “Drugs are a very real problem for young people in our area and we want to turn that around by informing young people about the harm that they can cause to individuals and the communities they live in.

“It’s a nice feeling to be recognised for our efforts and we hope that we can bring the award home to Burnley.”

Members of the group will go head-to-head against three other projects from across the region in the hope of taking home the Community Impact Award.

The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success ceremony will take place at St George’s Hall in Liverpool on Monday, November 24, with a line-up of special guest celebrities in attendance, including Coleen Rooney and former Atomic Kitten member Liz McClarnon.

The announcement of the shortlisted nominee coincides with the Prince’s Trust first national ‘Youth Week’ which begins tomorrow and aims to promote the positive contribution young people make to society.

The Prince’s Trust works with 14-30-year-olds and aims to help those who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.