YOUNG people are to be encouraged to put forward ideas for Rossendale's future development as part of a report to be assessed by the Audit Commission.

Members of Rossendale Youth Council will be invited to get involved in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Rossendale Council which is due to be held later this year.

The authority, which was branded the worst in the country in last year's disastrous Audit Commission report, has teamed up with young people to gauge their views and ideas.

The Corporate Assessment Team will assess the council to ensure it is doing its best for Rossendale residents and will then make suggestions on how it can improve its services further.

At a recent meeting between the Youth Council and Rossendale councillors and officers, the young people made it clear that they want to make a positive contribution to their community and create a difference for future generations of Rossendale people.

Rossendale Borough Council's Deputy Chief Executive Gillian Bishop, said: "We were very impressed with the approach of the young people and it is great to see so many of them wanting to make a positive contribution to their communities.

"The council is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Youth Council and to involve young people in our work and I am sure that we will enjoy a good relationship with them.

"We hope that this will be the first of many such opportunities that we will have to work alongside community groups in the Valley."