DARWEN will hold a 'Youth Festival' next month inspired and organised by the town's young people.

In charge is 14-year-old Elle Walsh and any profits made will go towards a defibrillator for town centre in memory of tragic teenager Sky Nicol.

The idea came from a meeting at Knott Street Youth Centre with borough leisure chief Cllr Damian Talbot and Darwen Town councillors.

The result is a packed programme of events in the town centre on July 16 from 11am to 4pm.

Darwen Town Council has provided £3,000 towards the cost with free administrative support from the borough young people's service.

Miss Walsh said any surplus from the day will go towards paying for defibrillator for the outside wall of the youth centre where Sky was a keen member.

The 16-year-old died after taking a cocktail of drugs in March.

Events in the town centre include a 999 roadshow, a youth stage with local bands playing throughout the day, a climbing wall, bouncy castle and face painting.

At the Youth Centre on Knott Street there will be 'bubble' football on the astroturf, market stalls and a one stop shop for young people with a café and arts and crafts.

Miss Walsh said: "I was our idea at Knott Street Youth Centre.

"We wanted to have something to do in Darwen for our age group and show young people in a positive light.

"The town council gave us £3,000 and the borough provided support.

"I ended up organising it and it has been a bit of a shock.

"It's hard work, more than I expected.

"We've been doing everything from the finances to finding and booking the bands.

"The whole thing is really exciting and 'bubble' football, where you are playing inside a giant hamster ball, is really the best thing ever.

"Any money we make will go towards a defibrillator on the wall of Knott Street Youth Centre in memory of our good friend Sky Nicol who was a member.

A inquest heard 16-year-old Sky Nicol died after taking a cocktail of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy in Blackburn town centre.

Cllr Talbot said: "This a fantastic idea which came from the young people themselves.

"It's great that Elle and her friends are actually organising it."

Elizabeth Clarkson, Young People Service Darwen organiser said: "I am extremely proud of Ellie and the young people from Darwen youth centre. "They have all shown great commitment and dedication in organising this event, from booking the stage, and climbing wall to recruiting bands and volunteers".