A POPULAR arts centre has moved to bigger premises -- allowing the creation of a gallery to champion the work of local artists.

The Valley Arts Centre has sold its Sudell Road premises in Darwen and moved to nearby two properties, numbers 19 and 21, separated by a ginnel in Brunswick Street.

It has allowed the centre, which was previously just an art studio, to expand its facilities.

The upstairs of one of the properties has an art gallery, which is to be used for local artists.

A ceramic centre has been created in the other property, creating a range of new courses.

Joanna Fielding, of the centre which has been running for two years, said: "We have expanded because we have been so popular.

"The gallery will benefit a lot of local artists in Darwen as they are not many places for them to exhibit their work."

An open day is being staged tomorrow from 2pm and local residents are invited to go along and see the new facilities for themselves.