YOUNG people in Lancashire have more going for them than anywhere else in Europe.

And a group of youngsters travelled to Germany and Poland to show others just what a difference the help they receive can make.

The Assembly of European Regions awarded the county council the prestigious title of the Most Youth Friendly European Region.

It scooped the title thanks to its innovative approach to involving young people in local democracy.

The creation of Lancashire Youth Council and 12 district youth councils has allowed young people to have their say in local democracy.

The Youth Council's executive members meet the county council's cabinet four times a year to discuss matters such as public transport, recycling, improving sports and social provision for young people in Lancashire.

They have also consulted with youngsters with special educational needs.

Funding from outside organisations enabled a group of 18 young people from Lancashire Youth Council to visit their peers in Germany and Poland where they received the award.

Arif Khan, 14, a pupil at Edge End High School, Nelson, Max Bridges, 20, a volunteer with a Colne community project, 18-year-old Satayesh Sabar, a student at Habergham High School, Burnley, Paul Dwyer, 17, of St Mary's College, Blackburn, Luke Scarr, 15, a pupil at St Wilfrid's, Blackburn, and Claire Watts, 15, a pupil at Fearns High School, Bacup, went on the trip.

They visited Berlin City Hall to meet the minister for development for European affairs as well as stopping off at the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate.

In Poland, the Lancashire young people met with their peers from the Poland Youth Organisation.

Claire, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, said the trip had been a worthwhile experience.

She said: "Lancashire was given the title of being the most youth-friendly region in Europe because of how much it does for young people and getting the voices of young people heard.

"We found that young people in Poland were not really listened to and they don't have a council like we have"

Lancashire County Council's assistant youth participation co-ordinator, Emma McGurrin, who helped to compile the bid for the award, said: "Everyone we spoke to in Europe were surprised by the amount of help available for young people in Lancashire.

"In turn, our young people were shocked to find that there was no youth service, no benefits available for young people unless they've been working for five years and that they have to rely on their families much more.

"The Polish and German young people were impressed by our young people's self-understanding and self-development.

"The trip was a big opportunity for everyone to learn something new."

All participants produced a video diary during the five-day trip which will allow them to share their experiences with their colleagues on the district youth councils. The county council will hold the title for the coming two years.