A CABINET minister today praised youths from Blackburn and Burnley who have turned their lives around to become children's football coaches.

Ivan Lewis MP, Minister for Skills and Vocational Education, visited Ewood Park to highlight the work of The Prince's Trust's Football Live Programme.

The programme for young people who struggle at school, are long-term unemployed, or have been in trouble with the law, aims to build their confidence and provide them with skills for future careers.

SammyJo Riding, 18, from Nelson, enjoyed Football Live so much she has gone on to set up her own under-eights football team, Brierfield Celtic.

She said: "I used to get myself in to a lot of trouble and people said I never make anything of myself.

"But the Prince's Trust has really turned my life around.

"Having the support of a mentor has really given me confidence to do something with my life and now that they have helped me I am going to go on and do the same for others."

The programme takes around 50 youngsters every year from Blackburn and Burnley.

It has proved so successful that other areas around the country are going to copy the scheme.

Mr Lewis said: "I have seen today how people's lives have changed thanks to this scheme.

"By helping these young people they are strengthening the whole community.

"We cannot make these changes from Westminster as we depend on these dedicated volunteers to make a difference.

"Their efforts at the grass roots should be applauded."