A BLACKBURN voluntary group is celebrating becoming one of Lancashire’s first two ‘Victim Friendly Organisations’.

The accolade to the Inter-Madrassah Organisation was confirmed last week by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw.

He has been working with Lancashire Victim Services to launch a new programme to accredit businesses and organisations and help them train staff on the impact of crime, the support available and how to best communicate with someone who has fallen victim.

The first two such groups accredited are the IMO, whose slogan is Inspire Motivate Overcome, and Blackpool Transport.

Mr Grunshaw said: “Supporting victims of crime is a key priority for me so this programme launch is really exciting.”

Stephen Jones, chief executive of IMO, said: “I am delighted we are one of the first Victim Friendly Organisations in the county.”