HOMELESS youngsters in Radcliffe have impressed culture chiefs with their commitment to the town's planned museum.

Mr Ronan Brindley, assistant curator of Bury Museum, said he has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of those who live in the Bury Young People's Housing Link flats in the old Radcliffe Town Hall building.

They were approached to work on a project looking at the history of Radcliffe which would form an exhibition in the proposed museum.

Speaking at last Thursday's (May 24) Radcliffe Area Board heritage sub group meeting, Mr Brindley said: "The youngsters have had misfortune in the past, but this gives them a chance to fulfil their potential. They have already demonstrated that they are very eager to work with us and hopefully, we'll end up with some very good display ideas." A total of £12,000 has been set aside for the project. This has come from Lottery funding, the North West Museum Service and Kickstart Budget money.

A series of meetings are already planned where the young men and women can discuss ideas and plan the display.

Mr Brindley said: "If the museum is to flourish it is important to involve the young people of the town in the early stages to keep them interested. There is the possibility that a specialist film company will also get involved with the project."

Councillor Barry Briggs, chairman of the area board, welcomed the involvement of the Housing Link tenants.

"This will help show the positive side of young people and allow them an outlet for their creative talents," he said.

And Councillor Denise Bigg, who also attended last Thursday's meeting, said: "These young people are often unfairly stigmatised so I am really glad that they have come on board."