AN historic wedding and functions venue in the heart of Darwen woodland has gone up for sale.

The Olde England Kiosk in Sunnyhurst Wood is to be sold after being listed with commercial property agents Bridge and Co.

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The business was taken over by two couples, Lindsey and Paul Chapman and Lisa and Michael Waring, almost three years ago.

But after struggling with illness for two years, Lindsey, who looks after the majority of the day-to-day running of the building, said she could no longer cope.

Mrs Chapman said: “I am falling apart and can no longer handle the 17-hour days for weddings and things like that. The business is doing really well and there are loads of bookings coming in.

“We put it up for sale four weeks ago because nobody else can take over the running of it.

“I am sad to be moving on and I have really enjoyed it over the past three years.”

The Kiosk was built for the community in Darwen in 1912 and has become a popular venue for family celebrations over the years.

Sunnyhurst councillor Pete Hollings said: “The people who have it at the moment have done fantastic work and they will be sadly missed. I just hope the new owners love the wood as much as the rest of us do.

“Fingers crossed they will be able to carry on the excellent work that has been done by Lindsey, Paul, Lisa and Michael over the past three years.”

Described as “a very attractive double-fronted mock Tudor style property that has been fitted out to an extremely high standard throughout”, the business has been listed for sale at £110,000 with a rent of £7,100 paid to Blackburn with Darwen Council.