A HERITAGE centre is set to open its doors in Darwen for the first time in September.

The centre has been created over the last five months within the walls of Holker House, which was handed over to to Darreners by the Livesey Foundation in February.

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Conference and meeting facilities for 100 delegates as well as exhibition space and permanent office accommodation will also be available within the centre and there are plans for a cafe and gift shop.

The centre will be one of around 15 venues that will welcome residents in for the Heritage Open Days, a four-day national festival which sees community venues open their doors across the country for visitors to learn about their history for free.

Cllr John East, a member of the heritage centre committee and Darwen Town Council, said he was pleased that in such a short space of time the centre was almost ready for opening.

He said: “We are so delighted that in such a short period of time we have managed to get everything ready such as a bank account, a committee and work done to the centre ready for September.

“It will be very appropriate to have it open for the Heritage Open Days to allow people to soak up Darwen’s rich history.

“We still need plenty of volunteers to help us out in all kinds of sectors such as catering, working on reception and in technology.

“We want people who join up to ideally have a passion for the history of the town and we hope to have plenty of support from the council in years to come.”

Chairman John Sturgess has brought together the committee from various sectors of the community and it has been meeting regularly to put together plans for the opening day.

The committee is keen to work with local schools to bring together a junior committee as well and give the children of Darwen a voice, ensuring the growth of the centre in the future.

Volunteers who would like to help with all aspects of the venture should go along to the volunteer open day on Saturday, June 18, from 2pm to 4pm.