TEENAGERS with an interest in the arts are being offered the chance to take part in a cultural exchange between Pendle and Greece.

Lancashire Youth and Community Service and Nelson and Colne College are looking for 20 young people who enjoy the arts to represent the borough and link up with Greek young people on a trip to Karditsa, Greece, in early July.

In September the Greek group will return to Pendle and be hosted by local families.

The exchange is open to anyone aged between 15 and 19 years old living in Pendle who enjoy singing, drawing, acting, playing a musical instrument or anything else that involves the arts.

Organisers are hoping the trip will not cost the young people anything other than spending money. They are applying to the European Commission's Youth for Europe fund to cover the costs. Youth worker Sarah Hill said: "What we are looking for are young people who can meet with youth workers two hours a week in an evening from May until September.

"They will need to think about why it is important for people from different countries to understand each other and mix together."

Anyone interested is asked to pick up an application form from the district youth office, Byron Road, Colne (01282 862850).

Organisers stressed that applicants must attend an open evening to be held at the office on April 29 between 7pm and 9pm, together with a completed application.

The evening will provide the chance to meet with the youth workers who will lead the visit.

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