A MARKET town's new £3.5million bus station will open tomorrow.

The first service will leave Rawtenstall's new public transport hub at 7.55am.

The eight-stand bus station, paid for by Lancashire County Council is part of the controversial multi-million pound Spinning Point redevelopment of the town.

Building work on the project, originally scheduled to be finished and open last year, began in earnest the Spring and this week the final touches were completed.

It features the latest equipment, including live departure boards, to help travellers.

The retail units will be occupied by new businesses to Rawtenstall and works to prepare them for occupation will start shortly.

Oliver Starkey, the county council's head of integrated transport, said: "Interchanges like Rawtenstall Bus Station ensure local communities and businesses are connected.

"This building will provide a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment for people using buses in the town."

The bus station was built by Rossendale Council and Barnfield.