AN ADVICE centre for children is to be set up in Blackburn with Darwen to fight for the rights of young people.

The advocacy service is intended to advise young people on their rights, visit those in care and help to promote a positive image of children and the younger generation in the media.

A report by the charity Save the Children commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Council recommends the creation of a Children's Rights and Advocacy Service for the borough, with priority initially being given to those children in care or facing discrimination due to race, sex, or disability.

But the service will also monitor the views of young people and report these to council managers and political leaders to help them develop youth-friendly policies.

It is to be funded by £50,000 in grants from the council, and co-ordinated from the authority's Rights, Advice and Entitlements service.

The advocacy service is to be based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children.

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for social services, said: "This is a rights and advice service not just for looked after children, but for the wider community too.

"It is an independent service that is being set up to champion children's rights and to look out for their well-being throughout the borough.

"We are at the stage where we are looking to tender for experts who may wish to provide this service.

"We want the service to be independent and as such it will not be run by the Social Services Department, although we will fund it, but it will be provided probably by a voluntary sector organisation which has links to the council's Rights and Advice service. "The main aim is to provide independent support and advice to children in times of need."

Peter Little, of Save the Children, said the move was "definitely an important step" as many council's only had services such as this for children in care, not all children in their area.

He said the Blackburn with Darwen Children's Rights and Advocacy Service would enable children to express their views and be heard by those making decisions about their lives.

He said: "It does not mean that the council or whoever will go along with what they say but at least their views will be heard. It's a recognition that their views need to be put forward and listened to even if they are agreed with all the time."