A YOUNG people's charity held a supporters event.

Blackburn Youth Zone invited guests from across the organisations Patron and Community Network to celebrate the supporters who have kept the charity running for the last five years.

Blackburn Youth Zone opened to young people in June 2012 and offers a safe and exciting environment for young people 365 days a year.

The youth hub is open to young people aged five to 19 years old, the entrance fee is 50p per session with a £3 annual membership fee.

A Blackburn Youth Zone spokesman said: "Young people are at the heart of the Zone, everything from the design of the building to the projects, programmes and activities on offer, right through to the Zone’s staff, have been chosen in partnership with our young people.

"The event marked the coming together of supporters under a shared passion and commitment to working together to secure a better future for young people in Blackburn with Darwen.

"As a registered charity, we rely upon funding from outside

sources and work in partnership with the Council, local businesses and other bodies to ensure that we remain at the heart of the town and continue to meet and recognise the needs of the young people of Blackburn with Darwen.

The event took place at the charities premises in Jubilee St, Blackburn on Thursday and was hosted by Blackburn Youth Zone Chairman, Rt Hon Jack Straw

A Blackburn Youth Zone spokesman said: "Rt Hon Jack Straw spoke of how Blackburn Youth Zone is at the heart of creating community cohesion.

"He spoke of how the Zone is building a better future for the young people of the borough."

Guest speakers also included; Claire Shore from Blackburn College, Jack Mellor Director of Personnel Checks, Sarah Thomas from Coal Clough Academy and founder of Blackburn Youth Zone.

A Blackburn Youth Zone spokesman said: "Hannah Allen, chief executive, spoke on the achievements of the Youth Zone which includes 10,000 registered memberships and 200,000 visits from the young people in the five years since opening.

"The Youth Zone currently delivers 19 targeted programmes including employability courses, diversity clubs and mentoring support.

"This powerful achievement has only been possible with support from partnerships and local organisations that create opportunities, invest and believe in the town’s young people"