AN INNOVATIVE project providing trailblazing support to young people across Pendle was officially launched in Nelson yesterday.

Around 500 children have already been referred to the Wheels within Wheels project which provides recreational activities and vocational training.

The project gives young people the chance to use vehicles such as mud buggies, trailbikes, go-peds, mountain bikes and skateboards in a safe and supervised environment.

It aims to reduce the number of young people involved in anti-social behaviour while providing them with vehicle maintenance skills and other useful information.

Pupils from Walton, Primet, Park and Edge End schools and young people from Waterside Youth Club and Coldwell Activity Centre are currently involved in recreational activities with the project.

A pre-driver training package and a police programme raising awareness of the danger of stealing cars are also being introduced to Pendle's schools.

Wheels within Wheels was set up with a £87,000 grant from Pendle Partnership matched with government Neighbourhood Renewal Fund cash.

Project manager John Gradwell said: "Wheels within Wheels has already made a real difference to hundreds of young people giving them opportunity, hope and inspiration.

"Our project helps young people to have fun, be safe and stay out of trouble while learning about themselves and how to work in a team.

"Now that we're up and running it's time to hit top gear and really give young people in Pendle a flying start in life."

Pendle Partnership programme assistant Zarka Nazir said: "Pendle Partnership's public consultation showed one of the things local people wanted was more regeneration funding to be spent on activities for young people, particularly to stop them causing juvenile nuisance."