Chance to be PM for two days!

The town has been chosen to host a Youth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which will see Blackburn College students act as delegates of all 53 countries in the Commonwealth.

Since 2003 The Royal Common-wealth Society has organised the events across Britain twice a year to mirror the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

A Commonwealth Society spokesman said Blackburn had been chosen to stage the eighth event due to its "cultural make-up and diversity."

By playing the role of figures from other Commonwealth countries and looking at global and home issues, the aim is to allow participants to enter into political debate from a viewpoint different from their own.

The two days are being co-ordinated by Blackburn College in conjunction with Blackburn Cathedral as part of efforts to promote understanding and integration in the borough.

The first day, on February 22, will see delegates go to Jan's Conference's Centre, Blackburn, where they will research and shape debates on issues including world trade, poverty, freedom, human rights and democracy.

They will also choose a local issue to address issues such as racial and sexual discrimination and be given a crisis to tackle such as a tsunami.

The following day the students will use the cathedral as a base for their role play, taking the parts of heads of government, foreign ministers and address members of the Press - played by media students at the college.

Blackburn College's director of learner services, Dave Bacon, said "Our students are very excited about the opportunity to interact with other students from a range of backgrounds and subject areas and will be able to debate issues locally and nationally."

Canon Chris Chivers, who has the responsibility for inter-faith relations in East Lancashire, said: "It's a good way to allow young people to play a part and debate issues that really do matter to them."

Feedback will be presented to schools and the local authority.