YOUNG members of Burnley Task Force have come up with a plan they hope will bring youngsters of different ages, cultures and backgrounds together.

In the wake of last years riots, the young people's representatives sitting on the Task Force decided that more should be done to unite the young people of the town.

The Task Force report into the cause of the disturbances highlights the need to provide youngsters from different communities to mix and to concentrate youth work on multi-cultural activities.

So a week of free fun, leisure, theatre, drama, music and sporting activities has been planned for the forthcoming half-term holiday.

The week kicks off with basketball coaching at the Thompson Centre in Red Lion Street from noon on Saturday February 9.

It also includes a health, beauty, fun and fitness activities day exclusively for young women at Padiham Leisure Centre on Wednesday February 13.

Registration for the activities will take place at the centre on Thursday 7 and Friday February 8 from 4-6pm. Information on all activities can be found at the Town Hall in Manchester Road, at the Thompson Centre, at Padiham Leisure Centre in Gannow Lane, at the public Library in Red Lion Street and at the Community and Recreation reception in Nicholas Street.

Mohammed Afzal is a youth councillor for Burnley and Padiham. He said: "I think that young people should share their views.

"If we bring people together and have fun, then that will help to foster understanding -- and sport is a way of doing that."

Stuart Ingham is programme and events co-ordinator at the Thompson Centre. He said: "The main thing is that people will be coming together in a relaxed environment where they can have some fun and get to know each other.

"They may even find themselves taking up a hobby they may not have thought about in the past."

The full programme of activities is due to be published today. Free transport to activities will be provided where necessary.