YOUNGSTERS in East Lancashire will be able to have their say as part of Local Democracy Week.

Lancashire County Council is holding a major youth forum at Stoneyholme and Daneshouse Youth and Community Centre, Burnley, at 2pm on Monday.

The event, organised by the Local Government Association, will see the launched of the National Black Youth Charter and will involve groups of young people from every part of the county.

Education chairman County Councillor Hazel Harding, who will open the forum, said: "Participation is vital if local democracy is to flourish and I am delighted by the enthusiasm that these young people have shown.

"The charter has national importance and was developed by two young Asian men from Burnley who have travelled the UK collecting inspiration and ideas from young people with many experiences and backgrounds.

"Young people are involved in developing ideas, attending meetings and engaging in the democratic process every week with the help of our youth and community service and their partners in the borough councils."