YOUNG people at Blackburn’s £6million Youth Zone have a wealth of technology at their finger tips.

But they will be trying their hand at a rather retro hobby after the Youth Zone, in Jubilee Street, received four sewing machines.

Staff at the Youth Zone said members would be able to learn new skills on the Brother sewing machines, which have been loaned by Hobkirk Sewing Machines, in the town’s Darwen Street.

Manager of the Senorita’s Girls’ Group, Carolyn Riley, said members will get creative, develop new skills and ‘sew up all sorts of bits and pieces in their weekly sessions’.

She said: “Thanks to the kind donation, our Senorita’s Girls’ Group will benefit from sewing workshops which will lead to them being able to design, make and model their own creations - everything from clothes to curtains.

“In the lead-up to Christmas, the group was also looking at and making thrifty craft presents as an alternative to shop-bought gifts, and the machines came in very handy.”

Junior club manager Dave Palmer said: “During fashion week recently, we were delighted to see many male and female members making use of the sewing machine by getting involved in making clothes from recycled clothes.”

Hobkirk Sewing Machines also donated accessory packs, which included scissors, pins, and a tape measure, and several spools of thread.

Owner Peter Hobkirk said: “As a Blackburn-based company, we really appreciate the tremendous work the Youth Zone does, and we are very happy to contribute to their efforts with these sewing machines.”