EAST meets West this summer when young people from Sri Lanka flock to Accrington as part of a youth exchange trip.

The young people will spend 6,500 hours engaged in voluntary work in local community projects and the organisers also said they would welcome any project contacting them if they need help.

The 17 to 25 year olds will arrive in Britain on August 24 before being officially welcomed by Hyndburn Mayor Coun Win Frankland at Accrington Town Hall on September 1.

The scheme run by the Voluntary Services Overseas and the Prince's Trust has run for three years in Burnley and Blackburn and has now been extended to Hyndburn.

Project supervisor Nina Hartley said the scheme allows young people from different countries to work together, develop and share skills and make valuable contributions to local communities.

She said: "It is a great opportunity to learn about another culture as well as supporting your local community in providing them a welcoming home for their short stay.

"Anyone who volunteers will be given a weekly allowance to cover costs and I will provide support whenever necessary."

Coun Frankland said: "I am delighted to endorse this wonderful scheme.

"One of our council themes for the year is integration and by bringing different cultures together we will open up tremendous opportunities.

"The scheme is both novel and interesting and I hope that many people will volunteer to be host families for our visitors from Sri Lanka.

"Hyndburn people are known for their friendliness and generosity and I ask for their support for the scheme."

The organisers say they are in desperate need of accommodation for the 18 volunteers taking part in the three-month programme.

Anyone can be a host all that is required is a separate room as pairs of volunteers are happy to share.

A weekly allowance will cover costs and the project supervisor Nina Hartley will be available for support.

Those interested in becoming a host or would like them to help with a community project should contact Nina at Nina.Hartley@vso.org.uk or 07866 541867.