A medical charity's base is to reopen after an anonymous benefactor bought it for them and the local brass band will also benefit from the building's purchase.

The Darwen premises in George Street used by St John Ambulance closed after the Covid-19 pandemic because of soaring maintenance costs.

But the charity’s base was bought by a generous donor who does not wish to be publicly identified and gifted to them to use for free.

The premises will also house Darwen Brass Band, also at no cost for their new home.

Volunteers from both groups are transforming the building - dubbed the ‘Brass and Bandage Station' - which has stood empty since the pandemic.

Adam Brogden, county president for St John Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed at this generosity.

“Before the pandemic, the Darwen branch of St John Ambulance had more than 30 members, but, sadly, the building was failing and the costs mounting meaning we had to close.

“Thanks to the generosity of a keen supporter of Darwen and the support of Blackburn with Darwen Council, we are now able to use the building again – completely for free, which is just fantastic.

“St John Ambulance is an incredibly exciting place to be – there are so many opportunities, including for young people who join as cadets and go on to pursue a career in healthcare.

“Our big goal now is to build a thriving unit once again in Darwen."

With almost 40 members, Darwen Brass had also been looking for a new home due to mounting costs.

Its chair Mandy Pickles said: “What a lifeline this is for us.

"It will certainly secure and safeguard the future for Darwen Brass.

“We just can’t believe we’ve been offered this amazing opportunity.

“Darwen Brass has an open-door policy; we are very much like a big family.

“Music can benefit everyone - it brings positive health and well-being benefits.

“Now our future is bright, we want to extend this to set up a community training band.

“We’re also planning concerts at our new base – with one to raise vital funds to support St John Ambulance.”

Since being handed the keys, the groups have been busy decorating with materials donated by Crown Paints.

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We wanted to do everything we could to help make this happen.

“And just look at the results – an empty building which is being transformed into a busy place for members of St John Ambulance and Darwen Brass too.

“It’s a chance for these organisations to go from strength to strength which is wonderful news for Darwen."