A COMMUNITY centre which cost almost £1million to develop is to be officially opened next month.

The long-awaited facility, at the former St James's School House, Cannon Street, Accrington, has been in the pipeline for 12 months.

But the work is set to finally be complete on Wednesday for the opening event.

The building, which dates back to 1895, has been redeveloped to keep its heritage, in a move which has been described as a sympathetic restoration.

When the news was announced, in November last year, Ian Marfleet, project development manager for Hyndburn First, the council's regeneration wing, said: "There are a number of excellent voluntary sector organisations in Hyndburn, but there's no space across the town centre and Hyndburn.

"We are hoping to provide a dedicated centre with a number of voluntary sector groups under one roof, so people find it easier to access the services available."

Hyndburn Voluntary and Community Resource Centre will be opened by the mayor, Coun Miles Parkinson, and members of local groups.