WORKERS made redundant from Crown Wallcoverings in Darwen are taking advantage of a new scheme which helps ensure they keep a roof over their heads.

Alan Evans, founder of the Ormskirk-based charity UNAFUND, which grants interest-free loans to stop repossession and eviction, heard about the job losses at the Belgrave Mill site and got in touch with Blackburn with Darwen Council to offer help.

Anyone concerned about how they are going to pay their mortgage should get in touch with UNAFUND via Darwen Advice Centre.

Mr Evans said: "People can ring us and we will see if the money is available. We are already helping two local families. It can be a question of us either paying the mortgage or paying their interest off.

"They then start repaying it after about a month at two per cent at a time with no interest."

Mr Evans also appealed for help from local places of worship and large businesses in the Darwen area.

He said: "Our funding comes from appeals and applying for grants."