CHAMPAGNE corks are flying and it's smiles all round for the staff at Darwen Leisure Centre.

That's because they have just heard National Lottery cash is heading their way - £148,000 of it.

And as Lottery cash must be backed by a bidder's contribution, Blackburn Council has given them an additional £80,000.

The £228,000 cash boost will go towards modernising the building, improving access and up-dating the facilities.

Delighted Darwen councillor and Blackburn's community and leisure vice-chairman, Cath Ramsden, said: "This is marvellous news and is a tremendous boost for the borough, especially Darwen."

She added: "The centre is extremely popular and this cash will enable us to drastically improve facilities. Once the centre is modernised it is likely more staff will be taken on."

Blackburn's community and leisure director Eddie Runswick said: "We've been trying to find additional finance to improve the centre for years and the Lottery cash has made it possible."

St Mary's College, in Blackburn, also received £77,000 towards the costs of £154,000 for extending sports-changing facilities.

And cricketers welcomed a £64,000 contribution to £130,000 renovation work to Cherry Tree Cricket Club, Blackburn, to build a two-story clubhouse and new car parks.

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