THE not-for-profit organisation which runs a community hub and cafe in a historic park pavilion is looking for volunteers and sponsorship to keep it going.

Lancashire Community Helpers is a Community Interest Company (CIC), set up in 2023 to open the eaterie in Corporation Park, Blackburn.

The cafe in the restored section of the pavilion, formerly home to St Mary's Nursery, complete with new toilet facilities opened in December.

Directors of Lancashire Community Helpers, Steven Ball and Eleanor Fox, decided they wanted to do something after speaking to other regulars and groups they met while in the park.

The result was the Pavilion Community Café and Hub which is close to the entrance on West Park Road, just lower down than the path leading to the bird aviary and conservatory.  Opening times are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am till 5pm.

It is closed on Tuesdays.

Mr Ball said: “The pavilion building, along with the rest of the park, is of important historical heritage and we feel privileged to be able to bring it back into use and restore it to its former splendour.

“We offer a wide range of food, drinks and ice creams including vegetarian and vegan, and the feedback so far has been really positive.

"During the February school half-term we held a children’s art group, and our first social evening was on St Patrick’s Night, with both very well attended.

"Everyone who works in the café are volunteers and we would welcome anyone with a few hours to spare to pop in the café to chat about joining us.

“Finally, we’re currently looking for sponsorship, big or small, to help us to continue running this important hub and café and would ask local businesses and individuals who feel they can help to please get in touch by contacting me on 07970043896 or emailing lancashirecommunityhelpers@gmail.com."

Mother of three young children, Ms Fox said: “It wasn’t a difficult decision to become involved as I knew lots of groups and individuals who would welcome a café and hub in the park, and this is evident in the number of visitors we’re currently experiencing.”