Last updated at 11:57, Tuesday, 07 April 2009

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GOVERNMENT minister Beverley Hughes ended a top-level tour of the area by listening to some ‘donk’ dance music.

The North West’s Regional Minister, who said she was keen to combat the effects of the recession on young people, made her final stop at Signal Films in Barrow.

And there she was treated to a short documentary – Pride and Prejudice – made locally by Media Box Young People.

It was based on altering people’s perceptions and included a music video with lyrics to the latest ‘donk’ sound, a sort of techno/rap music.

One of the stars, 13-year-old Jonathan McCard, of Alfred Barrow School, said: “Old people can judge the young in a certain way and we want to promote a more positive image.”

Ms Hughes, who is also minister of state for children, young people and families, said: “I was very impressed. Visually it was very good, the words were strong and it got the message across.”

The minister was also introduced to 17-year-old Keiron Christian, who recently received the Young Citizen of the Year award at the Love Barrow Community Awards.

The former Alfred Barrow pupil now works part-time at Signal Films and with disaffected youngsters at the Drop Zone Youth Project.

He said: “Because my attendance was poor at school, I was allowed to come to Signal on work experience every Thursday.

“I’m now looking to work in some area in the media, perhaps photography.”

Kerry Kolbe, a director of Signal Films, also talked with the minister about the challenges facing the company, including funding.

Ms Hughes had started the day by visiting Marl International Limited in Ulverston, which specialises in ultra-efficient lighting.

She then held talks with Cumbria Vision and leaders of local councils at Barrow Town Hall over how partners in the county are working to counter the recession.

The minister went on to visit BAE Systems in the afternoon before finishing at Signal. She said: “We should be celebrating the success of companies in our region that are at the top of their game.

“To find three companies that are performing so well locally and internationally is a real boost during these difficult times. I was particularly impressed by the commitment to help young people, whether through apprenticeships, management opportunities or
giving them new training.

“In the north west, the Joint Economic Commission, which I chair, aims to protect jobs and get housing development moving.

“We will help major projects proceed, as well as ensuring there is advice and support for people and business.

“I am particularly keen to minimise the impact of the downturn on young people through protecting and expanding apprenticeships – exactly the model being pursued in this part of Cumbria.”

The minister added that, in preparing for the upturn, the commission has identified the creative industries, digital technology and low carbon technology as key areas of long-term investment. And she finally revealed that the government will shortly announce schemes to help struggling firms maintain apprenticeships.

First published at 11:44, Tuesday, 07 April 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk