A BLUES bar will open its doors today after a two year "labour of love."

The Big House Blues Bar began life as the historic Darwen Catholic Club which was built in the 1920s in Wellington Fold and closed nearly three years ago.

The old building was bought in November 2015 by blues loving business partners Sam Cooper and Eddie Valentine, who gave the place a complete makeover.

Mr Cooper, 57, said: "It's a true blues bar.

"All we will be playing is blues music.

" It's a life's dream this place, ever since I was in my teens.

"Once you get the music in you it never leaves, you never grow up.

"It really has been a labour of love."

The bar was originally scheduled to open at Christmas, but after Mr Cooper sustained a back injury the grand opening had to be pushed back, increasing the public's excitement for the unique venue.

The Horwich based business man said: "We've had a great reaction from people who have heard about it and seen us on social media.

"There are a lot of people who don't go out anymore because they feel like there's nowhere that suits their tastes.

"Now we have created somewhere for them and hopefully we can get it filled with like minded people.

"It will be somewhere for people of my generation to go."

The bar will be open Thursday - Sunday, and will serve ribs, steak and chicken fresh from the grill, while visitors performances from live blues bands.

The House Blues Bar will be open at 8pm today.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/events/1740336119318289