CORONATION Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh is inspiring more young people to be creative in memory of Sophie Lancaster.

Julie, who plays Hayley in Corrie, and her husband, Channel 4 writer Ian Kershaw, will launch the Sophie Lancaster Creative Writing Competition today.

Julie and Ian are supporting the Sophie Lancaster Foundation to encourage teenagers to ‘express their individuality’.

Three years ago, Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend, Rob Maltby, were savagely beaten by a gang of youths, in Bacup because they dressed as goths.

Sophie died from her injuries. After Sophie’s death, her mother, Sylvia Lancaster set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, with one aim; to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance, Everywhere.

Accrington-born actress Julie said that the project would also be rolled out in schools.

She said: “Sophie and Rob expressed their individuality and creativity through their appearance and it is desperately sad that this was why they were targeted.

“Through this competition we want to inspire young people to be creative and ensure that issues of prejudice and tolerance are openly discussed in schools.”

Rossendale woman Sylvia said: “When Julie contacted us I was delighted.

"I am a trained youth worker and I know the positive effect that schemes like this can have on schools.

It also meets with objective of our charity to change a mindset in society towards subcultures.”

The writing competition is being launched today with an event at the Castle Hotel in Oldham Street, Manchester.

The contest is open to secondary school students in East Lancashire and Manchester and the winning school will receive £1,000 with £100 going to the successful student.

The finalists of the competition will be chosen by a panel of judges from TV, theatre, music, poetry and literature.

For more information on the Sophie Lancaster Foundation visit the website below.