A £1MILLION transformation of a former Rossendale Victorian swimming pool has been completed, winning praise from council chiefs.

The Hurstwood Group has completed the refurbishment of Maden Baths, Bacup, into the new home for Sure Start, a Government programme designed to deliver the best start in life for young children. The agency will use the former baths as a creche, offices and a cafe.

Because the former pool was in a conservation area, special attention had to paid to ensure the building's original character was left intact. The final work has been singled out for praise by Rossendale Borough Council regeneration projects manager Mick Onley.

He said: "The Hurstwood Group has done a cracking job, delivering a very difficult project on time and to a tight budget. It's unbelievable to think that the new training kitchen was a pile of rubble and timber six months ago."

Work on the refurbishment started in October 2003 and was completed earlier this summer.

Hurstwood's Andy Stewart, who was the senior project quantity surveyor, added: "It was a hugely complex and time-consuming conversion.

"We have retained the character of the Victorian building but given Sure Start the 21st century home they required. Inside, the Sure Start offices are ultra modern but they have been fused with the traditional features of the original building.

"The double-hipped roof has been completely restored, the stonework cleaned and specialised leadwork has been carried out. It was a demanding project but we are pleased with the end result."