THOUSANDS of teenagers in Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen are so anxious that they have suffered sleepless nights in the last year, according to new research from The Children’s Society.

The data has revealed that 11,450 16 and 17-year-olds in Lancashire lost sleep with 1,730 suffering in the Blackburn and Darwen areas.

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The new statistics also show that 40 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds in the North West – some 70,000 young people – suffer in total.

The figures, based on an Opinium poll of more than 1,000 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK, are being released to coincide with the launch of The Children’s Society’s new report, Seriously Awkward.

The survey found that, nationally, 25 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds say they often feel sad, and one in four say they do not feel optimistic about the future.

Rob Jackson, area director for The Children’s Society in the North West, said: “This research reveals that a generation of teenagers are being let down by society.

"Many are struggling with a range of issues but are dismissed as resilient enough to cope, and denied the same legal protection and services as younger children.

“For the most vulnerable teenagers, those suffering from abuse, neglect and homelessness, and mental health issues, the future can be even more bleak."