The meetings are part of a Young Roots project to research the life and times of Orton, who grew up on the estate. The project is organised by Soft Touch Community Arts and funded through a 24,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The young people aim to make a DVD to inform other young people in the city of Leicester about one of its most famous sons, whose achievements are in danger of being forgotten by local young people.
Speaking in advance of her visit, Leonie Barnett said: "I'm very excited and honoured to be meeting the young people. It will be a real trip down memory lane for me but I'm looking forward to being able to help them with their research about my brother. It's an excellent way to get young people learning about their local area and I'm sure they will enjoy making the DVD and learning new skills at the same time."
The project is due to end in the summer of 2006 with a celebratory event in the local library. Sheila Stone, HLF's regional manager, said: "It is so important to get young people involved in the heritage that surrounds them by bringing it to life and making it relevant to them. This is a wonderful project that will allow these young people to learn many new skills and develop their self-confidence while learning about their local history."
For details of how to apply for Young Roots funding, visit the web site: www.hlf.org.uk/youngroots.
