THE work of Blackburn Youth Zone in fighting extremism has been highlighted in a government report.

It developed a project called 'Radical Tackling' with its members as part of the government’s Building a Stronger Britain Together (BSTB) programme.

This involved dramatic workshops and a residential in Northern Ireland.

The aims was to help young people learn about the harms of extremism and brought together those from different backgrounds become community activists.

It was one of several Blackburn with Darwen groups to receive grants of up to £50,000 to develop projects under the BSTB programme which has distributed £8.8million to 253 projects nationwide including 35 in the North West since 2016.

They include The Inter-Madrassah Organisation, Blackburn with Darwen Healthy Living, Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith forum and Blackburn YMCA.

The Youth Zone scheme is singled out for praise by a report on the success of the programme compiled by consultants IPSO for the Home Office.

It found people felt better able to challenge extremist views after taking part in the project.

Hannah Allen,from Blackburn Youth Zone, said: “We’re proud to have been working with BSBT to deliver our projects this year.

“They are all about inspiring the next generation to be champions for their communities and bringing young people together to play sports as a way of gaining mutual respect and forming new friendships.

"Taking them on a residential to Northern Ireland allowed the young people to speak directly with community activists and educators.”

Minister for countering extremism Baroness Williams, said: “I have seen first-hand the vital work our BSBT network has done at the grassroots level to ensure communities are resilient to extremists who spread hatred.

“The innovative programme is the first of its kind and has allowed us and local communities to quickly react to the evolving threat of extremism and tackle those who seek to destroy the core values that make this a great country.”

Cllr Andy Kay, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It’s so important to bring young people from different backgrounds together to work collaboratively. By working alongside one another constructively, misconceptions are tackled, barriers are broken down, and friendships are formed. Projects such as this are vital in empowering our young people and giving them the confidence to lead on positive projects in their neighbourhoods.”