YOUNGSTERS have been taking part in a unique art project - where photographs are taken in the dark.

The project aims to give teenagers from the Daneshouse and Stoneyholme area of Burnley a different perspective on diversity and equality.

Under the guidance of Burnley Youth Theatre artists, the 15-strong group of Asian young men have been taking part in the Eye2Eye project since March.

The 12-week course has employed some unusual techniques - including inviting the 13 to 18-year-olds to draw' on perspex with torches in twilight, then take photographs of their efforts.

Their creations, developed with the assistance of artists Dan Scanlin and Claire Wheetman, are set to go on show at the Charity Arch, in St James Street.

Later this year a mirror image project, involving a similar number of young women from the community, will also be staged at the Daneshouse and Stoneyholme community centre.

A Burnley Youth Theatre spokesman said: "The project aims to explore diversity and share differences with the whole of the community.

"It aims to promote respect and understanding between genders and celebrate equality.

"The youth workers at the community centre have provided key help and encouragement to the young people and quality support to the project."

Once the young women's initiative has been completed, the finished works will be taken on a joint tour of the town, stopping off in St James Street, the youth theatre, Sir John Thursby Community College and the Chai Centre before returning to the Daneshouse and Stoneyholme community centre.

The project has been funded by Awards for All, Community Programme grants and the Lancashire County Council's Youth Bank Burnley.