An organisation in the heart of Blackburn that has helped to feed more than 1,400 children is officially opening its community shop next week.

The Shadsworth with Whitebirk Big Local will be opening their store on Accrington Road on Wednesday November 24, with an open event held between 11am and 1pm.

Over the summer, volunteers from the Big Local handed out a whopping 1,412 free lunches to hungry children across the town, and the kids were able to get their free 'grab bags' containing sandwiches, crisps, juice and a little sweet treat from the community shop on Accrington Road.

Until recently, the shop, which also sells heavily discounted second hand school uniforms for anyone who struggling to pay the high street prices, had only been open two days a week, but following the 'official' open day on Wednesday, there are plans to open the shop five days a week.

Shane Calvert from community group, Shad Chefs, said: "When Covid struck we only ended up being open as a Covid response place and less as a shop, but on Wednesday we will be having an official grand opening of the store on Accrington Road.

"We have a new sign up and the Mayor of Blackburn will be there along with councillors Tony Humphries and Vicky McGurk who are massive supporters of the Big Local.

"There'll also be representatives from Fare Share in Preston who we do lots of work with.

"At the moment the shop is only open Tuesdays and Thursdays but after Christmas I think the plan is to get it open almost every day, with the intention of it being like a drop in community shop, where people can get second hand clothes and school meals for kids.

"We hope lots of people turn out to support its opening."

For more information on the Whitebirk with Shadsworth Big Local visit their Facebook page.