TWO century-old tram shelters in Darwen which have stood empty for many years have been given a new start - as shops.

The historic domed buildings at the corner of Belgrave Square and Bolton Road were among features the council hoped would be developed under its new Darwen Town Centre Strategy.

The stone-built structures are looked after by private firm Capita on behalf of the council and have been used on occasions by charities.

More than 20 years ago they were shelters with public toilets beneath.

Now mother-of-two Kim Redmayne, of Osborne Terrace, Darwen, has transformed one shelter into a gift shop, Serenity.

The second has been taken over by Darwen man Kevin Hannay, who will be selling his custom-made picture frames and mirrors in his shop named Divine Picture Framing.

Kim, who is married to Neil and has two sons, Oliver, eight, and Alaster, six, said: "As soon as I saw the waiting room I knew it was the perfect place.

"It's got a lot of character and, with the work we've done internally, has just the right atmosphere."

The tram waiting room, which dates from 1902, is in the heart of Darwen town centre's conservation area and is a grade II listed building.

Kim said: "I'm really pleased to have been able to give the waiting room a new lease of life.

"I'm from Darwen and really wanted to have my business here and to contribute to improving the town centre. Hopefully people will like what we've done, and the feedback so far has been fantastic."

Kim makes many items herself such as modern and traditional artificial flower arrangements.

Meanwhile, Kevin said of his premises: "I think it's a lovely building and decided to open my business here because it is most desirable."

Adam Scott, Blackburn with Darwen director of regeneration, said: "It's good to see new businesses investing in Darwen centre and particularly these independent specialist shops bringing new life to buildings which are a distinctive part of Darwen's heritage."