YOUNG clubbers abandoned the dance floor for the voting booth at a special event to involve young people in local democracy.

Youngsters aged 14 to 17 at the Utopia nightclub were asked whether they thought the voting age should be reduced to 16 and how they would have voted at the general election.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors John and Sheila Williams were present to help with proceedings as 600 teenagers combined a night of fun with a unique opportunity to vote.

The voting exercise was part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's activities during Local Democracy Week aimed at demonstrating the importance of voting and taking part in community affairs.

Those who voted were then entered into a draw with the winners presented with various prizes ranging from music vouchers to an all expenses paid trip to the Houses of Parliament. The presentation took place this week in the Mayor's parlour.

The Mayor, Councillor John Williams congratulated the lucky prize winners and added that he had been extremely impressed by the interest shown by young people in democracy,

"I was astonished as to just how interested in the voting process these young people were," he said.

"To politicians and those with an interest in politics it is easy to forget how daunting the process of voting can be. I hope that by organising events such as this we can remove some of those fears and apprehensions."