A SCHEME which gives shelter and support to vulnerable young people in the Valley has received a lottery boost to the tune of £135,000.

The three-year Rossendale M3 Project, based in Haslingden, provides supported lodgings for homeless people aged 16 to 25 across East Lancashire.

Young volunteers offer board and accommodation, as well as informal support, within their own homes to help and prepare young homeless people to live independently.

Charities say there can be up to 80 young people in Rossendale without a place to live.

Project manager Alan Dorrington, 37, said: "For some time, Rossendale M3 Project, and other agencies in Rossendale, have identified difficulties for young people accessing more permanent move-on accommodation after their stay in temporary accommodation, and this generous grant from the Big Lottery Fund will enable us to develop this essential area of work.

"In partnership with Blackburn YMCA, we have put together an innovative partnership to provide good- quality, safe accommodation and support to young people.

"Rossendale M3 Project and Blackburn YMCA will combine expertise and capital to source and support six placements within properties throughout the Valley.

"Young people will be involved not only in initial work to set up the project, but in actually running it too.

"This will be achieved through a peer support group of young people comprising service users and other young people who have moved on to independent living.

"They will share skills and experience to supplement the support of the project worker."

The £135,286 grant is one of seven given to North West projects this month from the Big Lottery's Young People's Fund.

Helen Bullough, Big Lottery Fund head of North West region, said: "I am confident that the funding for this vital project will make a huge difference to the lives of young people across East Lancashire.

"We want projects like Rossendale M3 to help create a positive change to enable vulnerable young people to gain confidence, achieve independence, and realise their potential within the community."

The Rossendale M3 Project runs on Wednesdays, from 1.30pm to 5pm, at Bacup Infocentre, King Street; and at Rawtenstall Infocentre, at the Old Fire Station, Burnley Road, on Tuesdays, from 9.30am to 5pm, and on Fridays, from 9.30am to 4pm.

For more information call the Pleasant Street office on 01706 216600, or email info@rossendalem3.org