A GROUP of young people from spent three days in the Lake District planning events to help stop their fellow teenagers getting involved in crime.

The 11 are all on the Blackburn with Darwen Borough's Youth Ambassador programme.

The scheme is financed by the council using cash from the government's Integrated Communities Strategy.

The 12 to 16-year-olds started to shape their plans during a three night residential at Kentmere Residential Centre near Ambleside in the Lake District.

The now intend to arrange two community events to support young people at risk of getting involved in crime.

Since June the youngsters have been meeting weekly, taking part in Youth Ambassador sessions at Blackburn Youth Zone as part of the council's Our Community, Our Future social integration programme to bring young people from different parts of the borough together.

Project member Cole said: "It has helped me build confidence in talking to new people and have a better understanding of other cultures. The residential was great fun and we can’t wait to deliver our social action plan."

Dean Edwards from Blackburn Youth Zone said: "The residential gave these young people a fantastic opportunity to develop their independence.

"It was really encouraging to see them work together on their idea for a social action project – they’ve got bags of enthusiasm!"