A GROUP of passionate pub drinkers who have taken on the challenge of refurbishing an iconic Blackburn rock pub have been given the keys.

Work has begun to refurbish the Sir Charles Napier pub to bring it back to former glory after it was closed in June last year.

Money from investors, kickstarter backers, fundraising events and grants from Blackburn with Darwen Council, Bootstrap Enterprises and Plunkett Foundation will see the purpose-built music venue return to the town’s night-scene.

The venue in Limbrick will be run by director, Hilary Car and manager Nick Brown, from Save The Napier, a community interest company formed to take over the pub.

The group campaigned to keep the pub open after owner Thwaites, closed the pub in June 2015.

Mr Brown said: “It feels good to get the keys but we’re aware that we have lots more hard work ahead of us.

“Work began on the premises last week and the team hope to open the Napier in late summer.”

The pub used to host a rock-karaoke every Tuesday and Thursday, pool tournaments on Monday, a quiz every Wednesday with dominoes on Sunday.

Borough councillor Phil Riley, said: “Blackburn with Darwen Council is delighted that the Napier is finally in the hands of the community group.”

“We have worked hard with Alex Martindale, one of the group members and his team and with the owners, Thwaites, to bring the pub back into use.

“We look forward to it re-opening and helping to revive Blackburn’s night-time economy.”

Rebecca Waring, one of the volunteers at the pub, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, not just for the Napier but for the community as a whole.”

“It’s great to be part of such a hardworking team, and it just shows if you work together and truly believe in something, it can happen, it can work.”

Charlotte Foster, of the Plunkett Foundation, said: “It has been a privilege to work with the Sir Charles Napier team and to see the pub come back to life.

“Pubs are central to the community and provide an important hub where people can meet.

“The long-term success rate for co-operative pubs is 100 per cent and I really wish them every success with this exciting new venture.”