ENSURING young people know the opportunities available to them in Blackburn and Darwen so they will stay and work in the borough is one of the key aims of the Hive network.

To this end about 2,000 young people got the chance to meet employers at a special careers event at Blackburn Cathedral.

More than 90 employers, businesses, charities, apprenticeship and education providers were on hand to discuss opportunities at the 'Blackburn with Darwen is Hiring' event in Blackburn Cathedral.

Ian Brown, director of HIVE business leaders network and the driving force behind the HIVE business school, said: "We want young people work in businesses in the borough.

"As an organisation, we want to help develop and promote Blackburn with Darwen and challenge the perceptions that there are no training and job opportunities in the area, as there are and events like this aim to showcase that."

The event was organised in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackburn College, the Hive business network, Cummins Mellor, Northcote, Lancashire Employment and Skills Executive Partnership and Organic Insurance.