A CYBER cafe hailed as a safe haven for Darwen's teenagers opened its doors to the public yesterday.

Darren Keen, who has run Interpro Computers on Blackburn Road for 12 months, pioneered the idea for coffees and computer games to become a part of the shop to give children in the town something to do.

He said: "It will be somewhere where they can come and be safe, their parents will know where they are and they can enjoy themselves.

"Later, we will set up computer games where customers can compete against each other."

Coun Sue Reid said the cafe was an 'excellent idea.'

She said: "It will give children access to technology where they might not have it at home.

"They will also be in a safe supervised environment and will be kept off the streets."

The cafe opens from 10am to 6pm weekdays and 9.30am to 1pm Saturdays with private afternoon bookings.