YOUNGSTERS living in areas hit by last summer's street disturbances are to visit Downing Street -- and might be able to tell their story to Tony Blair.

Shahid Malik, the son of Burnley's deputy mayor and a member of the Labour party's National Executive, is launching a scheme to get children more interested in politics.

As part of the programme he has arranged the trip to Number 10 and a possible meeting with the Prime Minister.

Mr Malik said: "We had the lowest ever turnout at this year's General Election. It is a worrying trend that the younger you are, the less likely you are to vote. We need to make people understand that democracy is so important that people have died for it, and there are people in the world still struggling to get democracy.

"It is really about instilling a sense of responsibility in young people to ensure that they do use their rights to vote."

The initiative involves some 20 young people from Burnley aged 15 to 17 who will on November 30 be whisked to London to visit the House of Commons, as well as experiencing a ride on the world-famous London Eye, followed by a meal at Planet Hollywood.

They will also be a tour of 10 Downing Street, and if the Prime Minister is available on the day, Mr Malik hopes he will be able to introduce himself.

He is particularly keen to involve young people from Daneshouse and Burnley Wood, areas affected by the summer disturbances. It is supported by Habergham, Walshaw, Towneley, St Theodore's, Burnley College and Barden High School.

A voluntary steering group for the project comprises Burnley and county councillor John Cavanagh and councillors Carol Galbraith and Terry Burns, and is sponsored by the AEEU and GMB unions.

Burnley MP Peter Pike was invited to speak at the launch at Burnley College. He said: "Everything in our lives is affected by political decisions, whether we are talking about education, the health service or the quality of our drinking water -- whether we realise it or not there are political decisions somewhere along the line.

"Every single thing that we do is affected by politics."

Also present was the Bishop of Burnley, the Right Reverend John Goddard.

He said: "My hope is that as more young people become involved in politics we will revitalise people's interest in the decisions of their lives. When people opt out of politics extremists can manipulate. When we all exercise our right to vote there is a better chance of justice for all."

John Smith, principal of Burnley College, said: "I think it is important because it makes words like politics and democracy come to life. It's a chance for the young people of Burnley to show they are as committed to their future as young people in any other part of the country."

Nazima Karmali, of Brunshaw Avenue, went to the launch with daughter Tazleen, who was nominated by her school to attend. She said: "I am very very proud of her. I think is is a good idea for them to do it and hopefully they can bring some ideas back to Burnley."

Tazleen is looking forward to he trip. She said: "We are going to be the future voters, so we need to know what is going on and have our say in the running of the country."

Mr Malik knows the importance of politics and see this as a fantastic opportunity for the young people of Burnley.

"These young people are the leaders of tomorrow. Who knows, maybe among us here today is the future leader of our country."