Young Stars Make Their Mark

Impressive young people from across Lancaster are taking centre stage.

- Louise Bryning

Lancaster may be an old city but its young generation is determined to make a difference.

From facing up to some of life’s difficult challenges to expressing themselves through the arts, young people around the city are making their mark.

And one of the Lancaster-based organisations leading the way has recently seen 16 of its young members complete a 50-mile walk along Hadrian’s Wall. Lancashire Youth Challenge, a registered charity since 2015, enables young people to build confidence and resilience by taking part in a year-round programme of physical, creative and cultural activities and projects.

LYC also provides the opportunity for young people to take part in a Big Annual Challenge and this summer it was walking from Newcastle to Carlisle in three and a half days. Chief executive, Guy Christiansen, described the experience for the teenagers as life enhancing and for some, life changing. Fifteen-year-old Ross Curwen said: ‘The best thing about the challenge was being outdoors and seeing the views and the mountains. I’m glad I completed it because I met new people and now I feel like I can achieve anything.’

Previous LYC challenges include canoeing the Caledonian Canal, the Three Great Lakes Challenge, climbing the National Three Peaks, a Lancaster to Edinburgh cycle ride, the Yorkshire Three Peaks and cycling from the Tower of London to the Eiffel Tower.