THE Conservative Party in Burnley needs to get young people involved to spark a revival of its fortunes in the borough, says its new council group leader.

Cliviger with Worsthorne ward's Cllr Andrew Newhouse was elected to take over as party boss from David Heginbotham.

The 40-year-old father of two and self-employed IT engineer is determined to bring a new accent on youth to the Conservatives in Burnley.

He said: "For too long the Labour Party has dominated the politics of the borough with a brief Liberal Democrat interlude.

"I want to change that by getting more young people involved with new ideas.

"Too often people think they do not have a voice but in the Conservative Party they can do.

"I want young people to realise this they can make a difference.

"It's going to be a long process but it starts now."

First elected seven years ago, Cllr Newhouse is a governor at Worsthorne Primary School, a trainee coach at Fulledge Colts football team, chairman of the Burnley District Darts League and captain of the Thornton Arms B darts team.

The former Ribblesdale High School pupil runs his own computer company A and G Computer Solutions and is chairman for the Burnley Conservative Association.