A GOVERNMENT minister visited Burnley to find out more about the work being done in the borough to encourage youngsters into sport.

Sports boss Richard Caborn paid a flying visit yesterday to see the work the council and Burnley Football Club are doing to get kids fit.

Mr Caborn watched a girls' six-a-side football tournament between year five and six pupils, organised by Burnley council's sports development unit.

And the MP was impressed by the work being done by organisations to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds into all sports.

He said: "Its really about getting a multi-sport approach to bring young people into sport.

"The role Burnley Football Club play is legendary - it is a great community club.

"What I'm excited about is the development at the training ground and the role the club are playing in the community.

"What I have found in my 18 months in the role is the change in terms of education and people like Peter Pike have been a great advocate to make sure Burnley Football Club and other organisations are playing a larger role in the sporting infrastructure."

As part of the government's drive to reduce child obesity Mr Caborn said the government intend to spend half-a-billion-pounds on community sports projects, which would include 3,000 coaches.

He added the introduction to curriculums of a minimum two hours a week for sport had been successful and said it was hoped this could be increased.