A £3.5MILLION youth arts centre backed by former Ultraframe boss John Lancaster throws open its doors today to showcase its new facilities.

Plans to turn the Clitheroe Grand, the last independent Cinema in East Lancashire, into a 24-hour recording studio and youth arts centre were given the go-ahead by planners last year.

The scheme, which has the backing of Sir Cliff Richard, will see the Grand, formerly the Civic Hall Cinema, turned into an arts centre for youngsters, featuring a cybercafe, dance studio, recording suite and rehearsal rooms.

Ribble Valley Council gave the scheme the go-ahead, despite objections from nearby residents about noise disturbance.

Now, the first phase of development at the York Street site has been completed and residents are being invited to view its new state-of-the-art sound-proofing, audio and lighting system.

The Grand will be open to residents today and tomorrow for live performances and music workshops, as well as question and answer sessions.

Project consultant Keith Shortley, said: "We are throwing open our doors to reveal the work we have done so far, although there is still a long way to go.

"We have installed a new lighting and sound system that is state-of-the-art and cost a considerable amount of money

"There will be a full programme of live performances and we want people to come and have a look at how they might use the facility imaginatively for educational development. Local people can learn performance here, as well as lighting and sound engineering. This is a first-class facility and you won't find better."

The Lancaster Foundation proposes to invest a total of £3.5million in the scheme and develop it along similar lines to a facility in Bristol managed by Christian youth charity NGM.

John Lancaster, the former boss of Clitheroe's succesful conservatory roof firm, acquired the Grand three years ago and originially wanted to demolish it, replacing it with a new structure. But was forced into a rethink after a campaign to save the building resulted in its Grade II listing.

Sir Cliff Richard has written a note to John Lancaster claiming the centre will offer Clitheroe youngsters a great opportunity.

The second phase of the development, which starts shortly, will include the installation of a recording studio, dance rehearsal room and new auditorium.