FAMILIES in South West Burnley are to benefit from a £400,000 grant.

The money from the North West Development Agency, as part of the Single Regeneration Budget, round six, is going to the Elm Tree Family Support Service so they can continue their work with local families for the next three years.

Project manager Sylvia Godfrey said: "Elm tree makes a real difference to the lives of so many families in Burnley and we're looking forward to reaching even more children and parents over the next three years."

One of the reasons thought to be behind the recent riots was the perception that only Asian communities received grant handouts.

The service aims to allow local children and their parents to chance to reach their full potential.

Trained staff are on hand to offer advice, counselling, support, advocacy and training courses to the parents.

Free courses are available in parenting, first aid and computer skills with special groups for teenage mums, families with special needs and dads.