PEOPLE from all corners of the community have been asked to come forward and volunteer at a newly saved library.

The Pike Hill centre in Langwyth Road, Burnley, will be taken over by the Veterans Association UK (VAUK).

The association supports veterans with employment, housing and benefit issues.

Its headquarters will be set up in the centre and a library service will be ran three days a week.

Tony Hayes, the charity’s chief executive, said people are needed to help run the group activities and individual sessions, as well as run the library.

He said: “We help people who have suffered from mental health issues as a result of their time in the service.

“I am a Northern Ireland veteran and I know first hand what these people have been through.

“There is lots of different ways for people to help out, we hold a lot of community events and fundraising which don’t happen without the amazing voluntary work.

“The library service is an important part of the community and as part of the asset transfer agreement we will continue to run the library.

“The library will run for three days a week but we are not clear on what the times are yet.”

First formed in Burnley in 2012, the association now has a national presence, with volunteer co-ordinators from Cornwall to Scotland.

In November 2015 Lancashire County Council announced 40 of its 74 libraries would close to save money.

Several libraries across East Lancashire were saved by rallying community groups who took over the sites.

Cllr Cosima Towneley, who represents Worsthorne and Cliviger on the county council, urged people to get involved.

She said: “It was a much loved library that was used by lots of people.

“It’s important people know it has been taken over and it is set to return.

“I hope people can come forward and help keep it going.

“People in my ward would have to travel into Burnley to use a library and this would be a lot easier to get to.

“I would hope people can volunteer and help the guys at the veteran association because they do fantastic work.”

To get involved call Mr Hayes on 01282 21939.