A SOCIAL club that was ravaged by fire five years ago has reopened.

The Palatine Club in Norfolk Street, Nelson, was severely damaged in a mystery early-morning blaze which gutted large parts of the building in May 1999.

It was originally built in the 1930s and in its heyday the dances it held attracted revellers from all over East Lancashire.

Following the fire the gutted building was bought by Nelson businessman Mohammed Aslam, 49, who with help and support from his family has rebuilt it.

As it opened to the public yesterday Mr Aslam, of Scotland Road, said he hopes it will once again become a bustling social centre for the community.

He said: "It used to be very famous across East Lancashire for dancing. I wanted to bring it back to life and provide something new for the community.

"It was a single-storey building, but now has two floors with two large function rooms. It will be open as a members-only social club, but I would welcome any community group in need of a space for their activities to come and have a look."

Pendle Mayor Coun Mohammed Iqbal and Pendle MP Gordon Prentice attended the official opening of the club, which is to keep its original name.

Mr Aslam, a father of five, said it had been a great day and he thanked all the people who had helped him rebuild it. He said: "I bought it as a derelict building. The fire had caused a lot of damage - it had gutted the building.

"This has been a new venture for me and has been a real challenge, but I could not have done it without the help and support of my family. They have given me the courage to do this and now I hope to make a great success."