Support has more than doubled for the DIY SOS Big Build in Blackburn, following pleas from presenter Nick Knowles and build manager, Mark Millar.

Work on converting the St Silas Church Hall into accommodation for charity, Nightsafe, began on Tuesday, but organisers were desperate for more tradespeople to lend a hand after only half of those expected turned up to help.

Following pleas on social media and coverage via the BBC, the Preston New Road site saw an influx of volunteers pass through the gates on Thursday and Friday, with council workers and those with trades offering their services.

They even had food provided by The Olive School, Clayton Park Pies, Greggs and Just Eat, and 2018 Masterchef finalist, Moonira Hinglotwala, who lives in Blackburn, turned up with cookies and cakes.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Ms Hinglotwala said: "I'm local as I live just down the road, and this is a venue that I've used before in the past.

"It's an amazing thing they're doing. Working as a pharmacist I see vulnerable children all the time and sometimes a little support is all they need.

"I've brought food down today, which has gone down a treat and I may bring some more next week."

Kevin Corcoran, contracts manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council, came down with a team of council workers and will be at the site for the duration of the build.

He said: "We brought some plasterers, joiners and bricklayers down and the guys have been giving up their own time and will be giving up some of their free time this weekend too.

"It's been great down here, the camaraderie is fantastic, and we're happy to be involved with it all."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Among the volunteers was plasterer Simon Cottrill, who was helped by Nightsafe when he was younger.

Mr Cottrill who is from Blackburn, said: "I came down on Thursday and brought two other lads with me. Nightsafe helped me a lot and made a massive difference in my life, so I wanted to give something back to them."

Despite the support, the team at DIY SOS are still looking for volunteers to help out, before they wrap up work next Wednesday.

Mark Millar, build manager, urged those who are qualified in plastering, and any decorators to come down to the site over the next few days.

Plastering is hoping to take place over the weekend, with decorating beginning on Monday.

Those tradespeople interested can email diysosblackburn@bbc.co.uk or just turn up to the site with their insurance certificate in order to start work.