A BOROUGH'S youth hub has been praised by the government's Department for Work and Pensions.

It was given the official seal of approval at a special event at Rossendale Council's Futures Park headquarters in Bacup.

The borough's youth hub assists 16 to 24-year-olds to become work ready and helps them into employment.

At the event Heather Murray, senior leader for external employment and partnerships at the DWP said: “This is a fantastic example of local organisations working together on challenging issues to make a real difference to young people aged 16 to 24 with work support in employability skills and provision.

"And as only one of two hubs to offer face-to-face service delivery in Lancashire and Cumbria is an example to other areas what can be achieved.”

Since it was established in November, the project has successfully placed 30 per cent of participants into work.

Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes said: “The Youth Hub brings services as close as it can to the people that need them, breaking down any potential barriers to work and providing participants with all the support they need to help them succeed in the job market. Our young people are our future and they have really suffered over the past eighteen months so the more help we can give them the better.”

Rossendale Conservative MP Jake Berry said: "Initiatives like this are so important to help our young people to reach their full potential."