ONE of the best-known town centre landmarks in East Lancashire is 150 years old.

And a weekend of celebrations is being held to mark the anniversary of the opening of Blackburn town hall.

The doors of imposing building in King William Street were being flung open today for people to wander back in time and see an exhibition of old photos and memorabilia.

Council leader Kate Hollern said the anniversary marked an important milestone for the town.

Work on the town hall started in October 1852 and was completed four years later, at a cost of £30,000 - around £2.6million in today's money.

Opened by Mayor William Hoole, the building became the focus of life in the town as it housed more than just council services.

When it opened there was a police court behind the front vestibule - the building also contained 18 cells for prisoners - an assembly room with a 1,200 capacity, and office space for the council and the police.

Today the front vestibule houses the main reception, and the town hall is solely occupied by council offices, although outside bodies still holding meetings in the building.

Barrett's Directory of Blackburn 1891, a book currently housed in the library, describes the town hall as: "A noble building in the Italian style architecture, stands in the centre of the large market place, and covers and area of 2,612 sq yards."

According to Barrett's, the building has "in front a line of Corinthian columns, the entablature being mounted by an attic and perforated parapet, the main entrance in the centre having three gateways opening into the vestibule."

The directory states that the foundation stone was laid on October 28, 1852, by Joseph Feilden and that all corridors and passages were fired proofed.

Coun Hollern added: "This is an important milestone for the town and a major historical event.

"I hope a lot of people will take the opportunity to come and have a look a what life was like during Victorian times."