TEENAGERS are turning Bolton yellow and blue in a competition to raise as many thousands as possible for their youth club.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club is holding its third annual Yellow and Blue Day — a fundraising project aiming to raise more than £8,000 for the youth club's mentoring programme.

The mentoring scheme provides some of the town's most vulnerable young people with a volunteer mentor. Established in 1997, the mentors give one to one support to those who are struggling by being a stable adult in their lives and always being open to chat.

Using the club's signature colours, Bolton's businesses will turn yellow and blue for the day and compete in a host of challenges. The grand finale will see Bolton's town centre transformed with the colours, with Bolton FM taking over the airwaves in Victoria Square and the youth club's members performing for the community.

Over April 26 and 27, businesses will be divided in to team yellow or team blue. Staff members will put their all into bake sales, dress down days, yellow and blue themed parties, cycling and rowing challenges, with more fundraising ideas rolling in by the day.

Last year's friendly competition proved a great success, with over 35 business joining in the fun, the youth club is hoping to make it just a popular this time around.

The town centre events will follow on April 27.

The children's charity is one of Bolton's most successful. It now boasts 4,000 young members, over 80 per cent of which live in the most deprived areas in the borough. The club operates seven days a week to give deprived children somewhere to go for positive opportunities and recreational activities.

Karen Edwards OBE, CEO of Bolton Lads & Girls Club and founder of the mentoring project, said: "The Yellow & Blue Day fundraiser is a great initiative at the Club and intends to bring companies and the community together and show their support for the Club.

"Last year saw us raise a staggering amount, thanks to the generosity of all our amazing patrons, supporters and the community of Bolton, and this year we’re hoping to raise in excess of £8,000.00 which will be vital to ensuring our ongoing Mentoring Programme supports and makes a life changing difference to vulnerable young people in Bolton."

To sign up and be allocated your team colour, or for further information on how you can get involved, please contact Kelly.McFadden@blgc.co.uk or visit www.blgc.co.uk