A PRINCESS from Jordan has become a patron of an East Lancashire youth group.

Her Royal Highness Princess Badiya El Hassan of Jordan has agreed to become an ambassador for Blackburn-based Youth Action, which works with young people aged eight to 24 across the area.

The Youth Action team, led by chief executive Amar Abass, contacted the princess after hearing about her work to promote interfaith and multicultura cultural understanding, as well as her involvement in projects to support young people.

Youth Action, James Street, Blackburn, was set up in 2003. It currently has more than 5,000 members who take part in initiatives such as team building, activities and others to encourage understanding and respect for other cultures.

Princess Badiya El Hassan is also the chair of Mosaic, a Muslim charity mentoring programme founded by Pirince Charles to mentor young people.

She said: “Youth Action is a very reputable organisation.

“It’s work supporting young people and developing their leadership skills is well done and extremely worthwhile. I am delighted that Youth Action have invited me to become one of their Patrons, and I am looking forward to learning more about them and to meeting many of the young people they work with across Lancashire.”

Mr Abass said: “This is great news for Youth Action and will help immeasurably in our aim to publicise and promote the importance of youth engagement across Lancashire and further.

“Our new patron recognises the value of effective youth work in providing adventure and challenge and life changing experiences for young people.

"I am very much looking forward to introducing the princess to our trustees, staff, and most importantly to the young people who benefit from our work.”