WHAT started as an idea to help provide opportunities for youngsters has established itself as an organisation which is beginning to have a big impact on lives.

When Terry Maguire, 53, first thought of Business For Youth, the intention was to galvanise support for youngsters in Newton-le-Willows.

The group has gone from strength to strength and landed Terry a Christmas Star award from the BBC.

But the grandfather is keen to deflect the spotlight away from himself.

He said: “It was a surprise and I was kept in the dark but it was nice to see the profile of Newton raised. People can see what we have done and how we have developed. At the moment we have a dance group and we have had craft groups in the past. Everything we do is free of charge.

“Last year we had summer sports, four one-day events. Almost 50 kids took part which is quite a lot for a small town. We have also had graffiti workshops.

“In early December about a dozen kids visited old folks’ homes carol singing. But there are a number of large and small community groups in the town working towards one goal, which is to improve the town.

“With Business For Youth we have not reached our objective yet. For the first two years I felt as if I was pushing the ball up the hill. Now the ball is behind me. We all get stuck in, do our bit and enjoy the rewards.”

Terry, who has his own roofing business, was also one of the key figures in ensuring Newton and Earlestown had Christmas lights.