YOUNGSTERS have got to work on the budget of Blackburn with Darwen Council, prioritising areas that matter to them.

The Takeover Day scheme was designed to get young people involved in politics and to help them understand the decisions politicians have to make.

The pupils from high schools across the borough were split into groups at Blackburn Youth Zone, where they had the opportunity to give their opinions on how resources should be allocated according to their particular priorities while addressing the needs of everybody who lives in the area.

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Following the formulation of their main concerns, the three groups then met in the council chamber to debate and decide on the budget.

One student was elected to sit as mayor for the afternoon and controlled the meeting.

Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of the council, and executive members will use the information to help them put together their financial plans for next year.

Annie Grimshaw, 14, a pupil at Our Lady and St John Catholic College, in Blackburn, said the event helped her and her peers get a better idea of how the council works.

She said: “We had to budget different ideas and our priority was more support for middle aged parents.

“We also came up with another idea of building an area in Blackburn that would cater for young people who need more support.

“It was a really good day.

“I would now consider a career in politics.”

Annie’s teacher Kate Caldwell said the day enhanced important skills the pupils could use in the future.

She said: “It was a really good experience for them.

“It helped them develop personal skills because they had to work with other people from the borough.

“It also gave them a bit more of a social awareness.”

Councillor Hollern said: “I hope the students found it interesting.

“I want young people to know that politics matters.”