BLACKBURN with Darwen Community Safety Partnership's Safe Haven bus is celebrating its first birthday.

The bus, which is the first of its kind in the North West, is aimed at providing a place of safety for people who are out in the town centre.

Funded by Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership, it is usually stationed outside Blakey's Café Bar, North-gate, Blackburn, between 8.30pm and 1am on Saturday nights.

Last month, it also moved to Darwen Street on Friday nights from 9pm until 1am.

MP Jack Straw launched the bus 12 months ago, alongside members of the community safety team.

The first birthday celebrations are being held on Saturday, December 15 at the bus, which will be parked in its usual place outside King George's Hall.

The Mayor of Blackburn, Coun Maureen McGarvey, will be attending.

Coun Alan Cottam, chairman of community safety partnership, said: "Since the bus was launched, volunteers have helped thousands of people of all ages.

"Every week, people come into Blackburn town centre for a night out and go home safely, with no need for assistance. However, there are always a few people who find themselves in difficulty and need help or advice. It is reassuring that the bus is there should you need it.

"It is not just about looking after people who have had too much to drink. On the contrary, the volunteers deal with a wide range of situations.

"Recently, a man came to the bus asking for help because he was lost and had nowhere to stay. The volun-teer found him accomm-odation for the night and sent him on his way."