A TWO-storey extension to a Blackburn mosque and madrassa has been approved.

Officers at Blackburn with Darwen Council have given the proposed extension at Darussalam Education Centre in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, the green light.

A statement submitted alongside the planning application reads: "The applicant acquired the dilapidated building some years ago and structurally restored it to provide a valued local community education centre which is highly valued within the locality and which has a strong online presence with excellent reviews from the local community.

"This application also seeks the use of the basement for ancillary purposes (funeral prayer) and for a level access to be provided for funerals.

"In order to better cater for a local need, the applicant also seeks consent for a two-storey rear extension to provide a Janazah (Islamic funeral ritual prayer room), a kitchen, toilet facilities and ablution facilities."