AN OLD stomping ground for late-night revellers in the heart of the city is throwing open its doors as Lancaster's first Buddhist Centre.

The former 'Legends' nightclub on King Street is being transformed into a peaceful haven where people can seek refuge from the stresses of everyday life.

Named after the Buddha of compassion, the Chenrezig Buddhist Centre is to be open to people from all walks of life from next Thursday, April 22.

And, unusually, it also boasts a resident teacher in Kelsang Chogka, a 35-year-old Buddhist nun originally from Spain but who moved to London 10 years ago.

She says: "The main purpose of this centre is to hold meditation classes and to have space where people can find inner peace. You don't have to be a Buddhist to come. This centre is for everyone.

"With Buddhist teachings you just try it - if it works you do it more."

Volunteers have been helping Chogka transform 93 King Street into a Buddhist centre, which will offer evening and lunchtime meditation classes - with three kinds of teaching taking place.

First is a 'drop-in' meditation class, while there will also be a foundation programme which people have to enrol on, and finally a teacher-training programme.

For more details log onto the website at www.meditationinlancaster.org