SUPPORTERS and patrons from Blackburn Youth Zone have thrown their weight behind the Lancashire Telegraph’s £60,000 campaign to revolutionise the lives of young people in the town.

We want to create 100 Young Leaders who will become qualified role models and go out and improve their communities.

Some of the biggest companies in the UK are based in East Lancashire, and back the £6million Youth Zone, which needs their financial support to continue to help its 3,500 members.

Learning, development and merchandising manager at Crown Paints, Mark Bannister, said: “As a major employer within the Blackburn area, Crown Paints are very interested in looking for the future talent and leaders of tomorrow. The Young Leaders initiative is an outstanding one that will help prepare our young people to achieve their true potential and have a positive impact on their community, plus help develop their suitability as future employees as leaders for the future.”

Lynn Jespon, human resources director at Daniel Thwaites plc, said the Young Leaders programme built young people’s aspirations through developing their leadership skills. She said: “As a local business with a heart in Blackburn, we believe it is an important part of the future of our community to believe in our young people and the talents and skills they can offer to the area with support and guidance from businesses such as ours.

“I urge all local businesses to get involved – it is our responsibility as guardians of future employees to back the Teen Leaders appeal and raise vital funds for the Youth Zone to invest in its service.”

And head of human resources at mda Ltd, Kelley Spencer added: “The Blackburn Youth Zone Young Leaders programme is all about supporting those who will inspire the young people of today.

“They will inspire those who will in turn follow in their footsteps. “These Young Leaders are the future leaders of businesses across East Lancashire and beyond.”

  • To get behind our appeal you can donate to the appeal directly, or hold a fundraising event.

To request a fundraising pack or to donate online, visit www.blackburnyz.org/youngleaders.

Alternatively, you can text BYZA01 and the amount you’d like to donate (either £2, £5, £10, or £20) to 70070.

For example, to donate £5, text BYZA01£5 to 70070.

You can also donate over the phone with a credit or debit card by calling 01254 292001.