YOUNGSTERS across Hyndburn have been warned about the dangers of getting mixed up in crime - by an all-girl pop band.

Untouched, a three-piece singing group, performed live for youngsters in secondary schools across the borough.

The group, who have been working with the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers to tour the country's schools, were brought in thanks to Government funding to spend a week visiting every secondary school in Hyndburn.

The group - Helen, Karis and Emily, who are all in their early 20s - have visited hundreds of schools across the UK and sung to tens of thousands of pupils in an effort to educate children aged 11-13 on everything from drugs to alcohol and crime.

And in the latest gig the girls were brought to Hyndburn, taking part in two performances a day for the year seven and eight children, before finishing in a special performance at the Town Hall on Friday.

The campaign was part of a local scheme known as B-SMART, which uses music in classrooms to get messages over to youngsters.

During the performances in the schools, an hour of music and audience participation was used.

The girls sang songs about personal lives, relating to young people making choices, including self-penned number It's Never Too Late.

All the music was related to the issues being discussed, and it was mixed with educational material, and information on how to use Crimestoppers.

Today Paul Robinson, assistant headteacher at Mount Carmel RC Science College, said: "What was impressive about the girls was the fact they were able to perform to entertain the children but also got some serious messages across."

The Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership, a group made of of partners including the police and fire authorities, were behind bringing the scheme the the borough.

Michael Frankland, chairman of the partnership, said: "People need clear, consistent messages about drugs and alcohol, especially young people.

"B-Smart presents an ideal chance to engage with young people in a manner which is likely to appeal to them. It will also provide them with details about organisations, locally and nationally, that can provide confidential help, information and advice."