A COMMUNITY sewing hub and school uniform shop will be opening up in Darwen next week.

Mum’s the Word will welcome customers through its doors in Duckworth Street from Tuesday when the shop will be open from 10am to 1pm.

The shop is run on a voluntary basis and sewers and lovers of fabric are being sought to help out.

The business is run by Caroline Fotios, 53, who set up the community interest company in Blackburn a few years ago.

The mum-of-two then moved on to the three-day market in Darwen but after having to move out of the building, which is due to be demolished, she decided to open up a new store.

Miss Fotios said: “It’s official, we are fully moved into the shop .

“We are very happy to announce our opening date as Tuesday, May 2.

“We will post out shop opening times and days very soon, once we have confirmation.

“Just to remind everyone the shop is run by volunteers and if there are sewers, crafters, lovers of fabric who are happy to help a good cause, please feel free to drop in.”

The shop will sell a range of fabrics and the money made from that will then go towards buying school uniforms to be sold at affordable prices, aiming to help vulnerable families.

Miss Fotios will be offering people the chance to use sewing machines for a small donation.