CLITHEROE’s only Catholic club has been given a new lease of life after an investment of almost £40,000.

The St Michael and St John’s Parish Centre in Lowergate now boasts improved decor and furnishings alongside better catering facilities in the 15-year-old building.

The club, which was formed around 45 years ago, has more than 300 members and is aiming to appeal to people outside of the parish to book events at the venue.

Known for its pie and peas suppers, the club benefited from a £100,000 investment five years ago for substantial improvements to the toilets, heating and disabled access.

The latest windfall has been given to the centre by the nearby St Michael and St John’s RC Church.

The next stage of the redevelopment is already being planned, with hopes of the two foyer areas being revamped.

Club manger Kevin Shepherd said: “This work has had an enormous impact on the club.

“We are trying to appeal to people outside of the parish to use the centre more.

“Because it is so often referred to as ‘The Catholic Club’ people think that it’s just for the congregation at St Michael and St John’s Church but this is not the case.

“We have seen bookings increase recently and are now doing events like weddings and birthdays that we never did before.”

The newly re-equipped kitchen can now cater for 200 people and the main hall has been redecorated in neutral colours with the aim of making it more attractive.

New chairs have also been purchased along with 10 round tables for functions.

Kevin said: “It’s an on-going project but so far the work has made a huge difference to the parish centre. We are very grateful for the money and it has completely changed the look of the place.”