AS councillors decided whether to offer funding to help cover the costs of the Open Door project's stage at the Colne Rhythm and Blues Festival this year, a local licensee volunteered a donation and praised the youth event.

Jonathan Tyerman, licensee of the Shepherd's Arms, in Colne, said he would be happy to provide some money towards the Up4It stage, which is aimed at giving the younger people of the town a chance to be involved in the annual event.

He said: "The Open Door stage saved me all the aggravation of young people trying to get into the pub to drink. I have not been approached to sponsor the stage but we would be quite willing to back the Open Door financially. It's an absolutely wonderful idea."

He also suggested that the Open Door should approach other local pubs for sponsorship.

Last year's stage included music from local bands, artists and DJs and was free of charge, attracting crowds of 2,500 people.

Organisers of this year's event have said it would cost £12,500 to arrange and asked the council to underwrite the costs.

Members of the Colne and District Committee decided the council did not have enough funds to underwrite the event but offered £1,000 towards the stage and said they would be prepared to consider the use of the £2,000 already allocated to the Open Door's youth focus event for this event instead.

They also said a working group would be set up to help organise it, the council's promotions department would help in attracting funding for the stage and they suggested the police should be approached for funding.

Coun Ian Gilhespy said: "Should the Open Door stage not go ahead we are going to have serious problems."