BLACKBURN Youth Zone marked the ‘end of an era’ yesterday as chairman Andrew Graham stood down after five years.

Retired Blackburn MP Jack Straw is set to take over the role at the Lancashire Telegraph-backed £8 million venue this summer.

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Chief executive Peter Little joined supporters from the town’s business community to hail the outgoing Mr Graham’s contribution to the project.

Mr Graham, chief executive of Stanley Street wallpaper firm Graham and Brown, will officially hand over the reigns after his final board meeting next month.

Mr Little said: “We would not be here today if it wasn’t for Andrew’s contribution and we are really excited that Jack has decided to spend more time in Blackburn. It’s fantastic for us.”

Mr Graham will continue to serve on the youth zone’s board, with responsibility for private sector engagement and fundraising.

Mr Straw, who served as Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Justice in Gordon Brown’s Labour government, described the prospect of his new role as ‘genuinely really daunting’.

He said: “Andrew is leaving a legacy, but not leaving the youth zone. In fact, one of the only reasons I took it on is because Andrew is staying on with me.

“I am flattered and delighted to take on this position. I think, of the many great things to have happened in East Lancashire over the last 35 years, the greatest and best is the creation of this youth zone.

“Why? Because of the values and principles that it brings out. Giving young people a chance, whatever their background.

“This is a segregated town and the youth zone provides a natural for people from different backgrounds to come together and create friendships.”

Youth zone supporters, including the Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young and The Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong, The Dean of Blackburn, were among those who paid tribute to Mr Graham.

The youth zone, in Jubilee Street, was officially opened by HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, in February 2012.

Mr Graham said: “We must thank Bill Holroyd [founder of OnSide,the charity which set up Blackburn Youth Zone] and the young people for giving us a reason to come together and talk about what is fantastic about this town.

“There are lots of young people here with the desire and bravery to have a go and change the world, one person at a time.

“They inspire me as much as I inspire them.”