A DELEGATION of 16 people representing voluntary, community and faith organisations across Lancashire is travelling to meet the regions MPs at Westminster.

Organised by Third Sector Lancashire, which represents these bodies across the county, the aim is to highlight the financial problems they face because of local government and NHS cutbacks.

Among representatives who will make the journey on Wednesday is John East, the president of The Friends of Darwen Cemetery.

Since March last year, the group has been working towards restoring Darwen Old Cemetery, by cutting grass, re-erecting fallen and toppled headstones, and establishing memorial gardens.

Mike Wedgeworth, chair of Third Sector Lancashire, said: “We plan to talk with the MPs about the many problems that face us, especially the cuts in public services.

“But we also have a positive agenda – to explore how the ideas behind the Big Society can be made to work.

“We have always found that members of parliament of all parties speak warmly in support of voluntary groups.

“Now, we need their backing more than ever in helping us to respond to a new future, where we are encouraged to do more but find financial support much more difficult to come by.”

Over £100 million was spent by councils in the county and the NHS supporting voluntary week last year.