THE running of the John Smethurst Children's Centre, in Lower Darwen, is changing hands.

St James' Church of England Primary School, in Earl Street, has been working with the council to transfer the running of the centre to the school, it said.

A spokesman added: "We hope we will complete the process by the end of May.

"Following requests from parents, we are looking at extending the offer of places to two-year-old children."