BLACKBURN Cathedral has rescued an exhibition due to be staged at the town's fire-ravaged Bureau Centre for the Arts.

The display of the work of Italian artist Matilde Tomat and was due to open at the former Church of St. John the Evangelist on May 6.

But the 230-year-old Grade II listed building in Victoria Street was destroyed by fire at the beginning of the month.

Now, after last-minute negotiations, the week-long exhibition will open on May 6 at 8pm in the cathedral’s North Transept.

The opening day is the anniversary of an earthquake at Friuli in Italy in 1976.

Ms Tomat was the only person to survive the tragedy in her class of eight-year-olds.

The installation comprises 111 plaster cast vessels and is dedicated to the artist’s best friend who died in the earthquake.

Ms Tomat said: “Last week, after everything was planned and agreed, the flyers and posters printed, and a draft email almost ready to be sent, St. John's Church was destroyed by a fire.

“Waking up to the knowledge that again my life was changed by a natural event so catastrophic and cathartic at the same time, shook the Blackburn community and me to the very core. But a new venue has been found.

“Now, after 43 years, I am prepared with this piece to revisit and share my experience and pain."