A VOLUNTARY organisation in Rossendale aimed at strengthening community cohesion between youngsters was launched last night.

Civic leaders gathered for the Spicy Hot Pot night at St Mary's Chambers, in Rawtenstall, to celebrate the official launch of Positive Start.

The group wants to bring disabled and able-bodied youngsters of all faiths together to interact with each other.

Supported by the East Lancashire Partnership, the group is based at Rawtenstall's old fire station in Burnley Road. The Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Eileen Kershaw, was joined by Lancashire County Council leader Hazel Harding welcoming the group.

A night packed with entertainment impressed both young and old alike, with comedy acts, and solo Persian music performed by Nazeel Al Azami. Sam Lightbrown, a disabled comedian and teacher, amused the audience with his act which highlighted disabled prejudice, and Asian comedian Dr AK Shakoor translated traditional jokes into English.