‘Dragons’ impressed by East Lancs youngsters’ action plans (From Lancashire Telegraph)

‘Dragons’ impressed by East Lancs youngsters’ action plans

3:23pm Friday 31st August 2012 in News By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

YOUNG people from Burnley and Pendle were given the chance to sell their social action projects to leading community figures.

The five teams of 15 and 16-year-olds faced a Dragons’ Den-style panel that included Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson and Mike Tull, the chair of Lancashire Association of Head Teachers and head at Marsden Heights Community College.

Alsoo on the panel were Jack Crooke from the Youth Council and Terry Martin from the Council for Voluntary Services.

The pitch marked the end of a three-week summer programme which the youngsters had taken part in.

Each team gave a presentation on their ideas and were given feedback on their ideas.

Mr Stephenson said: “It was fascinating to take part.

“We had five really impressive presentations from the different groups and all had come up with very good ideas for their social action project.

“It was very encouraging to see and there were some really positive ideas, many about how to increase positivity in the area and make people feel better about themselves and the local area.”

Ed Laschet, who oversees the scheme in Lancashire, said: “It is a great opportunity for the young people of Burnley to really get involved with their community and have a chance to develop their own ideas and projects.

“They have come up with some great ideas which are sure to have a positive impact on Burnley.”

The young people taking part have already completed the first two parts of the event called The Challenge, including a personal testing week at an outward bound centre in Scotland and a team challenge week living in university halls.