MORE than 200 young people from Burnley signed a pledge against racism at the weekend's Youth 4 Unity rally.

The pledge was presented to the leader of Burnley Council, Stuart Caddy, yesterday after a weekend of music, poetry, dancing and sport.

Youngsters aged between 11 and 24 gathered at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, to make a stand against racism and show a united front.

Lili Rushton, Lancashire County Council's district manager for youth and community services, said: "It is all about bringing young people from different cultures together to build understanding and break down barriers."

Helena Begum, a member of Burnley's Youth Parliament, opened the proceedings with a speech calling on those attending to unite. Helena, 16, said: "This event is all about getting to know each other and giving people a better under- standing."

Workshops in music, street dance and sports were given at Ivy Bank as well as performances from poets, drama groups and musicians.

Last night they gathered at the bandstand in Queen's Park before starting a lantern procession along Belvedere Road to Burnley Football Club's Turf Moor ground.

Lantern and banners made by young people during the workshops on Saturday were proudly displayed.

They presented Coun Caddy with the pledge that read: "As the young people of Burnley it is our pledge to value our differences, celebrate our similarities, and break down barriers in order to build friendships so that we can make Burnley a better place for young people to live together". Then they were treated to a concert.

Bands and DJs played into the night, entertaining the crowds and making sure that the rally against racism and for unity ended on a high note.

Because of the success of this year's event, Lancashire County Council is considering staging a similar one next year.