A CONFIDENTIAL information and advice service targeting disadvantaged young people in Pendle celebrated its second anniversary yesterday.

The Lancashire Youth and Community Service 'What Now Information Bus', supported by Pendle Partnership and Connexions provides an informal atmosphere for young people who might miss out on formal careers advice.

Staff on the bus were delighted to hear that local regeneration agency Pendle Partnership had allocated £106,000 of funding over the next three years.

Pendle Partnership public relations officer Nick Molyneux said: "The partnership is delighted with what the bus has achieved. There is no doubt that it is making a real difference to young people by giving them the advice and confidence they need to make decisions about their future. We hope that the bus will continue to help disadvantaged young people in Pendle."

The bus provides young people aged 11-25 with information and advice about job opportunities, job search skills, training, college and other career options as well as advice on issues such as relationships, health, housing, drugs and bullying.

The bus travels to places in Pendle where young people are likely to congregate including youth centres, town centres, villages, schools, colleges, training centres, and community venues and 6,000 young people have been helped.

Many of young people helped have made significant personal, vocational or educational progress as a result of advice offered by staff on the bus. Staff on the bus aim to give young people the confidence to tackle issues and become more independent.

One former client, Tanzil Aslam said: "Without the bus I would have had to wait longer to find the information I needed. I wanted to start my own business but didn't know where to turn for help. The staff were really friendly and helpful. I was impressed that the bus had computers and access to the Internet. I think it was good that the bus was in a place where young people are likely to use it."

"It's also good that the bus is voluntary --- it's not like being in a classroom at school -- no one is forcing you to go on. It means you take more notice of what the staff are saying, they're like your friends, it's more relaxed.

"They gave me details of the Pendle Enterprise Trust and a leaflet, and let me ring them from the bus to make an appointment. The bus provides a vital service to young people in Pendle."

The bus started operating two years ago with financial backing from Pendle Partnership, Lancashire County Council and East Lancashire Careers Service (now Connexions). It is staffed by Connexions and youth workers. It is one of six 'What Now? On the Move' buses operating throughout Lancashire.