THE leader of Blackburn Rovers’ charity arm has revealed it pumped more than £1million into the community last year.

A record number of people also took part in activities in 2016, with just over 42,000 individuals of all ages participating in Blackburn Rovers Community Trust programmes in 2016.

That figure is up 58 per cent on the previous 12 months, while the £1million sum eclipsed the corresponding £670,000 in 2015.

The 2016 impact report shows the trust delivered more than 40 community projects and worked with 57 of the 96 primary schools in the BB1-BB6 postcode areas.

It engaged with all 14 secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, plus many others across Lancashire.

Chief executive Gary Robinson said in a report: “I am hugely proud of the impact that Blackburn Rovers Community Trust has made to thousands of lives in 2016.

“We’re not in the habit of bragging about our achievements but there is no doubting that 2016 has been a huge success for our organisation.

“We are working with an increased number of partners.

"I can also point to a significant increase in participation across so many of our projects, reaching levels that we have never previously achieved.

“This has been achieved in spite of a difficult and challenging climate for charities.

“This, however, is no reason to rest on our laurels and we want to ensure that in 12 months we’re reflecting on on even more successful 2017.”

The report said the trust employs 71 people, 25 full-time workers, four part-time staff and 42 casual or freelance sports coaches.

More than 27,000 project hours were delivered in the local community.

Among the events staged was a community weekend at Ewood Park, which drew 2,500 people.

Jason Lowe, then the club captain, also delivered a series of anti-discrimination workshops in primary schools.

Chair of trustees George Root said: “Gary’s report illustrates the impact made by him and his dedicated staff in offering all members of the local community access to the highest-quality programme of grassroots sports,education, inclusion and awareness projects.

“We can certainly attest that we are living up to the promise to make a positive difference to the lives of the people of Blackburn with Darwen and elsewhere in Lancashire.”