FRIENDLY and generous East Lancashire folk are helping to buck a national trend of ignoring the elderly and needy sections of society.

A new report by the Salvation Army claims the vulnerable are being forgotten, and paints a picture of an uncaring culture growing across Britain.

Statistics show that many sections of society, from the young to the elderly and homeless, are being threatened by a 'responsibility gap'.

But many of the residents at the Army's own Bramwell House homeless centre, in Heaton Street, Blackburn, have a different story to tell of hardship in East Lancashire.

Richard Livesey, 20, who has been at the centre for a few months, said: "People think that if you're on the street you're a drug addict and an alcoholic. They have a tendency to tar you all with the same brush. But you find that people are friendly up here. Blackburn is a small town compared to somewhere like Manchester. You get to meet new people, and it's easier to make friends.

"You do get the odd idiot but, in general, they're all right. Manchester is such a huge place, but Blackburn is a more close-knit community."

Richard was forced to move out of his own house onto the streets in Blackburn for a few nights over Christmas. He had no sleeping bag, and curled up near the cathedral, or under bridges to keep warm. But now he is on his feet, sleeping in a bed with food to eat, about to return to college.

The Salvation Army's in-depth study shows that society is less inclined to spend time on worthy causes, with 21 per cent of Britons not wanting to care for their elderly relatives.

William Lofthouse, 58, has been at the centre for eight years. He has never had to live on the streets, but spent time going from one shelter to another after his family life broke down. He admits that he hates to be a burden to his relatives.

He said: "I wouldn't want to impose on my family. It would be too much for them. Younger people have their own problems, and they might not really want me around."

Doris Robingson, 73, has lived in the centre for about 12 years, after her Oswaldtwistle house was destroyed in a fire. The pensioner has plenty of family to look after her, and sees them regularly. But she chooses to stay at the centre.

She said: "I talk to people when I go out and they seem to understand. They never say anything bad to me. I have never had any trouble in Blackburn. I visit my grandchildren and my daughter, but I am happy where I am."

Major Ivor Telfer, of Blackburn Salvation Army, said: "In light of the findings of 'The Responsibility Gap', it is reassuring that the residents at Bramwell House feel a part of the Blackburn community. The Salvation Army strives to make everyone, regardless of background and circumstances, feel welcome and valued.

"The four pillars of the community; Government, charities, individuals, and the corporate sector, need to work in partnership to plug the gaps that this report has identified. The Salvation Army, both locally and regionally, is happy to work with the four pillars to care for those who are affected by this gap."