HOLLYWOOD Park cinema has won an "Oscar" of its own - the Mayor's Award for Excellence.

The £5 million nine-screen Apollo development at Burnley produced its own blockbuster, beating fierce competition from other schemes which have received commendations in the annual awards.

The project in Manchester Road, on the site of a former DIY store, won the 12th annual competition aimed at recognising high standards of planning, design and social awareness which enhance the environment of the borough.

Hollywood Park, which has provided 55 new jobs in Burnley, is also enjoying a box-office bonanza - on target to draw 500,000 visitors in its first year.

The Mayor, Coun Mrs Enid Tate, said she was delighted the town had once again a cinema of its own after an absence of several years.

"Now we have a modern, comfortable facility close to the town centre, with good access by public transport, providing young people and those without use of a car a better range of leisure options."

Burnley NHS trust's purpose-built Gannow Resource Centre, for mental health care, which was highly commended.

Turf Moor was also"highly commended" for its new leisure centre, offering a wide range of sporting activities for community groups, local schools, clubs and the general public.

New shop fronts 126-132 St James' Street, built in a traditional style "to a very high standard of design and workmanship", were commended, along with Bellway Homes' new housing on the site of the former Marsden Hospital, and the conversion of a former chapel in Boot Way into Bootleggers pub.

The awards will be presented by the mayor at the town hall on May 11.

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