DARWEN FC has been officially reborn as AFC Darwen.

The club will play next season in the West Lancashire League – a step below the Vodkat League where Darwen FC played before being wound up last month.

Manager Dennis Hill said it was a “fresh start” for everyone at the club.

He said: “The papers have been signed and we know where we are.

"We’ve lost a few players who didn’t want to drop down a level, but we’ve got a big enough squad to cope.”

The club is keen to emphasise its links with the community, and the 240 children who play for Knuzden Juniors Football Club will now come under the AFC Darwen umbrella.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the Anchor Ground where Darwen FC trained and played, have transferred the lease to AFC Darwen.