A HOMELESS charity based in Burnley is branching out across East Lancashire after opening up a new retail store in Accrington.

Emmaus, which runs a rehousing complex in Booth Court, off Colne Road, Burnley, has launched a new venture at the Arndale Centre.

And it is encouraging shop-pers from across Hyndburn to weigh in and support its work, which focuses on providing accommodation for the homeless, while also offering either retraining or work within their retail operations.

Former Burnley MP Peter Pike is the Emmaus chairman and has pledged that the charity is looking to bring in residents, known as ‘com-panions’, from every area of East Lancashire.

Mr Pike said: “The shop will trade six days a week and be open 9am to 5pm.

“An official opening will be arranged in a few weeks’ time. Emmaus Burnley is serving Pennine Lancashire and can take in 30 companions. We urgently need to increase our trade — by selling more and collecting more.”

Shortly after its inception at Booth Court, the charity also secured the former St John’s Infant School as a workshop, training centre and store. Recently, it has also acquired another site off Rossendale Road.

The charity was first launched in Lancashire, with a community in Preston, in 1997, and has always catered for residents from the county’s urban areas.

Originally, the Burnley com-munity was going to be based at Burnley Lane Baptist Church, but attention was later switched to the former old people’s home at Booth Court.

Former Beirut hostage Terry Waite was a key supporter and grants were forthcoming from the government and the Henry Smith Trust and the Trust-house Charitable Foundation.