BLACKBURN residents are being urged to make the future of the town their New Year resolution by backing its young people.

The town’s £6million Youth Zone has called on locals to pledge to raise money for its Teen Leader appeal.

Launched in partnership with the Lancashire Telegr-aph, the campaign hopes to raise £60,000 to train 100 young people to become lead-ers in their communities, at the same time earning them a valuable qualification, and priceless confidence.

The Youth Zone’s chief exec- utive Peter Little said: “We are asking the community to make a New Year pledge to raise money through fun and easy fundraising events.

“Investing in young people is vital to the future prosper-ity of the town and, through funds raised by the appeal, we will be able to give young people the support and means to take control of their future, and ultimately make a differ-ence in their community.

“Raising money for the appeal can be as simple as a bake sale, or dress-down day, at work. Your contribution will make a real and lasting differ- ence.”

Members of the Youth Zone, in Jubilee Street, have prod-uced a special fundraising pack, which also includes sponsor forms and target post- ers to help track your progress.

Events manager Laura Jones said: “The fundraising pack gives you all the tools you’ll need to fundraise for the Teen Leaders appeal.

“Inside, you’ll find easy ideas to raise as much money as possible. All fundraisers will receive support from the Black- burn Youth Zone team.

“Every penny you raise will be invested into our Young Leader programme, creating a brighter future, not only for the town’s young people, but also for the wider community.”

At the end of last year, mon- ey was raised towards the Youth Zone when a team of footballers, made up of local businessmen and volunteers, played five-a-side football for 55-and-a-half hours non-stop in the hope of breaking a world record.

To get a fundraising pack, call Laura on 01254 292000, or download it online at www. blackburnyz.org/teenleaders