BLACKBURN'S Lewis Textile museum has re-opened almost five years after the council closed it down to save money.

The Lewis was still opened for school parties but was shut to the public in a bid by Blackburn with Darwen Council to bring its budget under control.

Now the doors are open, free of charge, to everyone and the reopening will also allow the museum to bring in further funds from lottery grants.

The museum, which tells the story of Blackburn's industrial past and its role in the cotton industry, has undergone a refurbishment including the addition of interactive activities for youngsters.

The society, which exhibited regularly at the Lewis, has put on the exhibition in the first floor gallery and is expected to contribute regularly.