BOSSES behind plans for a ‘life changing’ new youth project in Blackburn have launched a hunt for a chief executive to lead the scheme.

Work started this week on the site of the £8million Blackburn Youth Zone.

When it opens in a year the facility will offer a range of top quality activities and practical social serice-type support to youngsters in an iconic state of the art building.

Jerry Glover, the boss of OnSide, the firm behind the project, said a ‘special person’ was needed for the key role.

Mr Glover, who held the same job at the world-famous Bolton Lads and Girls Club for 30 years, said: “The Youth Zone will transform the lives of the kids that come through the doors and we need someone to come in and make it all happen.

“It is the best job in the world because of the impact it will have on so many kids and the town as a whole.”

The three-storey building will have three dedicated sports halls with a climbing wall, gym, boxing ring, IT facilities, dance and performing arts spaces and a sound studio. Also included are a kitchen, games and social areas and outdoor all-weather pitches.

Open seven nights a week, at weekends and during school holidays, the Youth Zone will provide a safe meeting place for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Glover said the candidate must be a skilled businessman as well as a talented and dedicated youth worker.

He said: “The chief executive must be a motivator and a leader. Very quickly they will have to put together a team of 200 staff and volunteers to do a fantastic job with the kids.

"A chief executive is required to build the world-class team that will launch and run it on behalf of the Blackburn Youth Zone board.”

It is hoped to put the successful candidate in place by January, ahead of the Youth Zone opening in October next year.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday, October 22.

To apply, and for more information, visit www.onsidenorthwest.org/jobs or call 01204 362128.