A SOCIAL enterprise set up to save the crisis-hit Ski Rossendale plans to reopen the slope in September after winning a tendering process.

Rossendale Council said Ski Rossendale Limited will take over the running of the dry ski slope following a 10-day legal cooling off period at the end of July.

David Fuller, a director of the social enterprise, now hopes to put the area back on the map by creating ‘a friendly, community-run centre.’

A social enterprise is any company which reinvests its profits for a social purpose.

Mr Fuller, who has been a member of the artificial slope since it opened in 1973, said: “It’s absolutely great news to win the tender process.

“We have been working hard on this for a long time and it will great to see all the effort put into the business plans come to life.

“People from all over the country know about Ski Rossendale and have shown us their support.”

The council turned down a take over submission from Proslope.

Ski Rossendale Limited was set up by Mr Fuller from Loveclough, Karon Driver from Burnley and Sue and Steve Foulkes, from Keighley.

The legal process, including details of the deal and final arrangements, are yet to be agreed by full council.

The slope has been closed since the end of March after the council withdrew funding.

Rossendale Council leader, Coun Alyson Barnes said: “I am really pleased the commitment, effort and determination of people behind Ski Rossendale Limited has paid off.”

Mr Fuller said: “If all goes well we hope to reopen the slope around September time.

"It’s hard to nail down a date at the moment because we are still waiting to complete the deal but we definitely see the site opened before the winter.”