CULTURE secretary Ben Bradshaw visited Liverpool yesterday to meet young people who have benefited from a pioneering arts scheme.

Find Your Talent launched a year ago as a three-year pilot government project.

So far, more than 6,000 Merseyside schoolchildren have taken part.

The region is one of 10 “pathfinder” areas offering children and young people regular involvement with arts and culture both in and outside of school.

Mr Bradshaw said: “I knew Liverpool was one of the 10 projects running around the country, but had no idea how successful it has been.

“The level of enthusiasm among young people and the opportunities it has given them, the difference it has made to their confidence and leadership abilities – all shows exactly why we embraced this process in the first place.”

The minister visited the Maritime Museum and took part in a discussion with students who had benefited from the scheme.

He then attended Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s speech at the TUC conference, at the BT Convention Centre.

He added: “We knew if we give young people opportunities with schemes like this, it not only enriches lives, but in some instances gives a meaning or purpose in life they never knew they had.

“We all have talent in our lives and I would really like to congratulate everyone involved as it is not always easy to bring such a large number of organisations together.

“Liverpool has done really well and we will be monitoring its success closely.

“The early signs are very encouraging, and if we can show this is something which will really make a difference, we want to extend it around the country, having learned from Liverpool’s experience.”