A GROUP of young people from areas of Burnley affected by the summer racial disturbances went on a day out in London including a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

The youngsters, aged from 15-17, were shown around Westminster by Burnley's MP Peter Pike and Lord Clarke, independent chairman of the Task Force set up to investigate the causes of the troubles and to suggest a way forward.

Young people form an important part of the Task Force, whose report is expected to be available within the next two weeks.

The party of 25 also visited Downing Street but were unable to meet the Prime Minister who was away.

The trip was the idea of county councillor and Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical union official Terry Burns and Shahid Malik, the son of Burnley's deputy mayor, Coun Rafique Malik, and a member of the Labour party's National Executive.

County Coun Burns said: "We have all been very impressed by the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street and it has given the young people an insight into the democratic system."

One of the youngsters, Helena Begum said: "It has been an excellent day."

Helena is 15 and lives in the Stoneyholme area. She attends Walshaw High School and is a member of the LCC youth council and the Bangladesh Welfare Association.

She said it was important for young people to be interested in politics and how the country was run.

Helena is hoping to be elected as youth MP for Burnley next year.

The youngsters also enjoyed a ride on the London Eye and enjoyed meals at McDonalds, organised through the Burnley restaurant, and Planet Hollywood.

The trip was supported by Habergham, Walshaw, Towneley, St Theodores and Barden high schools and Burnley College and sponsored by the AEEU whose national president Sir Kenneth Jackson said: "It has enabled these kids from Burnley's communities to visit and learn about Downing Street and Parliament and how London politics links in to their everyday life."