MORE than 60 young people took part in a Dragon’s Den-style competition to raise awareness around the issues of alcohol.

The contest was set up by Rossendale Children and Young Peoples Trust and challenged youngsters to come up with a logo and a pitch, with the winning pitch being rolled out across the borough.

The winners, William Whinton and Harry Jacques, will see their logo used on all local branding and promotional material for the Rossendale Children and Young People’s Trust partnership’s events and activities.

The competition was funded by the ‘Dragons’, who also contributed their business acumen to the winning group.

Entries were judged by a panel including Irwell ward Coun Steve Hughes, Rob Carder, chair of Valley at work, Penny Heys, business relations manager at Accrington college, Emily Holt, deputy youth MP for Rossendale, and Hameeda Mahmood, a holistic inspirations project co-ordinator.

Coun Jim Mellor, for Facit and Shawforth wards, said: “The pitch was not about telling young people not to drink, as they felt that was unachievable, but how to stay safe while drinking.

“They designed awareness wristbands, which are very trendy at the moment, and a wish to see first aid courses delivered to young people so they would know what to do if one of their friends had drunk too much and needed medical attention.

“As the group had recently attended a first aid course they demonstrated basic first aid.”

Rossendale Council’s Children and Young Person’s Champion, Coun Hughes said: “We had 16 groups entering the competition from wide range of ages, backgrounds and abilities”

Ms Heys said: “We had a tough time picking the winners and there were some close calls.”