PEOPLE are being invited to become champions of their communities as part of a new programme.

Groundwork Blackburn and Ewood and Fernhurst Community Association have organised a series of events aimed at getting people to take action to improve their environment, from landscaping projects to crime prevention schemes.

Anyone interested is invited to an initial meeting tonight where they will be able to meet representatives from organisations which can help.

Liz Peel from Groundwork said: "Basically we are offering training for community groups so that they are more confident about developing their own project ideas. They can get advice on applying for funding, filling in forms and how to manage their project from the idea right through to the implementation."

On Saturday a trip has been organised to a range of community-led projects in Rossendale and Blackburn. It leaves from Groundwork Blackburn, Bolton Road, Blackburn, at 10am. A meeting to discuss ways of raising funds for projects will be held at Groundwork Blackburn on July 28 from 7pm to 9.30pm, followed up by a second session on September 3.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust will hold a session of games and activities which could be used to keep younger members of the community occupied on August 1 at Groundwork Blackburn.

On August 22 Groundwork Rossendale, Newhallhey Road, Rawtenstall, will host a day of workshops on how to manage a project.

And on September 5 there will be a community art day at Groundwork Blackburn showing people how to celebrate their projects.

Booking is essential for all events except tonight's meeting. Details of all events are available from Liz Peel or Cherry Jarvis at Groundwork on 01254 265163.

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