IN East Lancashire, youth unemployment bucked the national trend last month, falling slightly.

But it does not disguise the fact that the situation in this area is dire.

There are nearly 5,000 people aged between 18 and 24 on job seekers allowance.

Cuts to youth services are being blamed by many for the high numbers of youngsters failing to find work.

The Bishop of Blackburn is now warning that a generation risks being lost to ‘cynicism and hopelessness’.

These are strong words from the bishop who said that ongoing social problems will be the lasting legacy of the current jobs crisis.

These latest figures may make it seem as if East Lancashire is beginning to turn the corner but in the run-up to Christmas it was always likely that there would be fewer people out of work.

There are now 13,160 people on unemployment benefit in the area, down by 192 from the previous month.

It is now clearly time to redouble efforts to ensure every young person is provided with the support they need and deserve.