COMMUNITY leaders in Blackburn hope to welcome a life-saving charity for the homeless to the area.

Bosses at national charity Emmaus UK, which boasts former hostage Terry Waite as president, have been working to move one of its 'communities' into Lancashire.

The charity works to set up groups of homeless people to help rebuild their lives, giving them a salary and somewhere to live.

Emmaus is popular in Europe, but so far there are just a handful in England, with the nearest community based in Leeds.

Now the Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong, Dean of Blackburn, has been in talks about starting a branch of the organisation in East Lancashire.

He said: "Emmaus is a wonderful and creative organisation that changes people's lives. I have just entered into some discussions, but I would welcome Emmaus to the area."

In Europe, Emmaus communities often run coffee and gift shops which families can visit for a day out.

In Britain, there are 11 communities, and a number of groups working to set up more. Emmaus Lancashire hopes to start a community in Preston. If this goes ahead, it could spread across the county.

Members of the communities pledge to stay free from alcohol and drugs and sign off benefits. They earn their keep through tasks like restoring furniture.

Father Jim McCartney of the Thomas Project, a homeless group based in Blackburn, has met with the Dean twice, and a further meeting is planned for January.

Father McCartney said: "I think Emmaus has a lot to offer people who haven't really been able to enter the employment arena. Some of our clients have gone through rehabilitation but are still unable to enter work.

"Everything is in its very early days. here is a group in Preston and a group in Bolton. It might not be ideal for Blackburn to go it alone, so maybe we could join them."

Roger Goodwin, of the Emmaus Lancashire steering group, said: "We are delighted to hear that moves are being made to develop a community in East Lancashire and we look forward to working with them. The more the better.We would very much welcome a fellow community in East Lancashire "