A LARGE millennium celebration centred around the youth of Lancashire has been commissioned by Lancashire County Council.

The Millennium Celebration World Wish will be co-ordinated by Events North West, of Preston, and will be based on a theme of what kind of world the people of the county would like to see develop during the new era.

Coun John West, county council leader, said: "The invitation to manage this unique special event drew hundreds of people from all over the country. Events North West's proposals stood out as by far the most imaginative, exciting and original.

"I am particularly pleased that the innovative project will involve the young people of Lancashire in really thinking about what they want to see in the future. This is an opportunity to show us the kind of world they want to live in and leave a lasting legacy for our county."

County Coun Nicki Penney, chairman of the millennium selection panel added: "I am delighted that Lancashire's plans to celebrate the millennium are now underway. I am sure we will receive some interesting and ambitious proposals from young people of all abilities throughout Lancashire."

A full announcement of plans for the showcase event will be made in June. Young people's ideas will be submitted from schools, youth groups and young people's organisations throughout Lancashire.

Participants will be asked to give a presentation interpreting their preferred world in the next century to panel of county councillors and church leaders.

The panel will select up to 40 to appear at the special showcase celebration.

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