AN action-packed day in Bacup, which began with the opening of a new community cafe, ended with soapbox riders competing for glory.

Ingenious four-wheelers, of all shapes and sizes, jostled for victory in Stubbylee’s sun-kissed soapbox derby.

And supporters of the community greenhouses initiative there had twice the reasons to celebrate as their fledgling cafe venture was officially launched.

Part of Stubbylee Barn, there are plans by Bacup Consortium Trust to eventually house an education centre, offering catering and food hygiene course, a community cinema and market hall.

The former carting shed and nearby offices was previously used by Accrington and Rossendale College as an engineering campus.

Stubbylee officials have paid tribute to the efforts of volunteers, whose efforts have made the cafe project a success.

“Today marks a new chapter. We have done and will do this together and it will be phenomenal,” said a spokesman.

An appeal was issued earlier in the year for helping hands who could contribute with painting, planting, cleaning and gardening, or donations including reading materials, bookcases and board games.

The cafe will be open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. Around 15 stalls were set up for the soapbox rally.