BLACKBURN is the youngest town in Europe, according to a survey carried out by the European Union.

Data collected by Eurostat, the EU’s statistics department, shows that almost one in four residents in Blackburn with Darwen is under the age of 15.

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The figure of 22.2 per cent dwarfed the European average of 15.6 per cent.

The statistics, published in the Eurostat regional yearbook 2014, are based on records provided by the EU’s 28 member states.

Chris Macintosh, youth work delivery manager at Blackburn Youth Zone, said Blackburn with Darwen was ‘in a privileged position of having such a young population’.

He said: “It has the potential to shape young lives to develop a population of world changers. Blackburn Youth Zone looks forward to working with the growing numbers of young people and helping them discover who they are and their potential over the coming years. With so many locally based, international businesses positively investing in young people, we at Blackburn Youth Zone are excited to be part of shaping the future of Blackburn with Darwen.”

Other regions did boast a higher percentage of youngsters than Blackburn with Darwen, but they were French Guiana and Réunion, French overseas departments in South America and the Indian Ocean respectively, and Melilla, a Spanish-administered city bordering Morocco.

Parts of the Republic of Ireland, including the administrative areas of Mid-East, Midland and Border, also showed a greater proportion of under-15s, but these are made up of multiple towns.

Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We see this as a tremendous asset.

“Harnessing the energy and skills of our young people is vital for the future of success Blackburn and Darwen. It’s the reason we have chosen supporting young people as a main council priority.

“Creating good quality job opportunities is key. It’s a tough challenge though one we are embracing with the help of some great local businesses and our public and community sector partners.”

Coun Hollern added: “We’ve known for some time now through various statistics that Blackburn is one of the youngest areas, certainly in England.

“I think it’s down to a variety of reasons – a baby boom and young families moving into the area – and, hopefully, we can create opportunities for them but the budget cuts also present challenges.”