AN East Lancashire tearoom built in 1913 to promote Socialism received a lick of paint from community-minded youngsters.

Clarion House, in Roughlee, was established by Manchester journalist Robert Blatchford, who also founded the Socialist newspaper, The Clarion.

In its heyday at the turn of the 20th Century the newspaper sold 30,000 copies and was involved in the setting up of Socialist missionary vans, cycling clubs, choirs, handicraft guilds and holiday camps.

Clarion tearooms were also built across the region to provide stop-off points for the members of these various groups.

The Roughlee building is now being restored to its former glory with help from youngsters from Oakhill College, Whalley.

They are painting the outside of the tearoom, on the slopes of Pendle Hill, as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award activities.

Paint was donated by Red Rose Paints in Accrington and brushes and rollers by B & Q in Blackburn.