COUNCIL bosses have agreed to investigate a charity which hasn't filed its accounts for more than three years.

To Inspire, formerly known as The Chaigley Manor Trust, is a charity which provided breaks for disadvantaged young people from Hyndburn.

Councillors have called for an investigation at full council after hearing the Charity Commission revealed it had not received accounts since December 2012.

The charity watchdog said it was 'aware of concerns' and said it would look to discuss the status of the charity with trustees.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe said: "It (the charity) all just seems to have disappeared.

"One of the main questions is what has happened to the money and why haven't they been paying their accounts.

"I'm very anxious for us to get to the bottom of all this."

Cllr Jean Battle, who was a trustee of the charity from 1997 until 2012 said her understanding is that the charity no longer exists.

She said: "I thought it ceased trading in 2015 or early 2016.

"Last time I as aware they had enough money left to pay the debts off and then that would be that.

"I don't know what happened really.

"I thought it just went belly up after they moved to Gisburn Forest."

Cllr Battle said she stepped down in 2012 because of other commitments and thought it would be more appropriate for younger people to take on the role.

Chaigley Manor was a children’s home in the Ribble Valley bought by the people of Hyndburn in 1927 for use by the borough’s disadvantaged youngsters.

In November 2009 trustees announced plans to change the name to To Inspire and moved to a new lease at the Stephen Park Training and Activity Complex in Gisburn Forest.

The charity aimed to provide facilities for recreation 'to educate and assist children and young people with the object of improving their conditions in life'.

Hyndburn Council used to provide funds for the charity and many young people from the area attended the facility.

A meeting will be set up with Cllr Jean Battle, Cllr Judith Addison and the Charity Commission to attempt to get to the bottom of the situation.

The Charity Commission said it has Stephen Cook listed as the main contact for the charity, but they have not been able to reach him.

A Charity Commission spokesman said: "We are aware that concerns have been raised regarding the charity To Inspire.

"We have contacted the trustees to discuss the status of their charity and will assess their response to decide what, if any, regulatory action we will take. "There is no statutory inquiry open at this time."

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: "I am pleased this motion has been brought to the council and I want to thank the councillors who made us aware.

"I wish to take this to the charity commission to get the answers."