THE youngest government minister toured Blackburn with Darwen to see for himself a range of successful initiatives undertaken by the Council of the Year.
Chris Leslie, parliamentary secretary for the office of the deputy prime minister, was invited to the borough by the leader of the council, Coun Bill Taylor.
During his tour of the borough, he visited India Mill, Darwen, home to Blackburn with Darwen Council partners Capita, which manages the BBC licensing contract.
He also saw children enjoying a range of school holiday activities at Blackburn's award-winning Roman Road library, and watched a Mendi demonstration at Brookhouse Access Point.
Coun Taylor said: "I am delighted to be able to welcome the minister to our borough to see for himself our work on the ground and the difference we are making to people's lives."
Blackburn with Darwen Council was awarded Council of the Year in a competition run by the Local Government Chronicle in March, 2002.
At the awards, the council was praised for its partnership with Capita. Under the contract the FTSE 100 company provides a range of services for the council.
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