A GROUP set up to give youth a voice in Hyndburn has hailed its achievements during its first six months.

Hyndburn Youth Council was set up in February to campaign for the rights of younger people in the borough.

The forum is run by 24 people aged between 13 and 21 who meet regularly to discuss which issues need tackling.

The project is being supported by the county and borough councils, Prospects environment panels, the Council for Voluntary Service, police and health chiefs and Hyndburn's high schools.

Some of the team have just returned from a weekend at Windermere where they practised teamwork and co-operation skills.

A youth charter was also drawn up to outline the duties of the group, including a commitment to listening and suggesting ideas to raise awareness of young people's issues and help form policy in the future.

The youth council has also come up with its own theme song and is set to design a logo.

A spokesman said: "Through developing their teamwork skills, the youth council will now take part in a series of activities.

"These will include representing young people on Hyndburn's Police and Community Forum and linking into council committees."

The group is also set to arrange events to celebrate the millennium and will be invited to help draw up the next Youth and Community Plan in the borough.

For further information about Hyndburn Youth Council, call Simon Morton on 01254 876295, or write to the Great Harwood Youth and Community Centre, Lowerfold Road, Great Harwood, BB6 7NS.

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