MEMBERS of a Blackburn working men's club have won a £25,000 pay-out in a deal struck with college officials over a shared road entrance.

St Paul's Institute, which has 950 members, was forced to share its Montague Street entrance with a new building next door which belongs to Blackburn College.

One of the club's long-standing members, Mike Corrigan, a partner in local firm, Farley Solicitors, enlisted the help of his colleague, Chris Porter, who heads the firm's commercial law department, to negotiate a deal with the college.

The club is now hoping to spend the windfall on improvements to its facilities including a new dressing room for entertainers.

Improvements carried out in the grounds have also enabled a new beer garden to be created for its members.

Club secretary Joe Varey, said: "We're not one of the richest clubs around so the money will come in very handy.

"And we couldn't have asked for more in terms of help and guidance from Farley's."

Mike, who followed in his father's footsteps in becoming a member of the club, said: "It is always important to seek legal advice from a professional in cases like this and we were only too happy to help St Paul's on this occasion."

Sheena Ewing, principal of Blackburn College, said: "We did pay £25,000 to allow us access way on the club's land and for the granting of a permanent right of way to a the college's construction training facility which is due to open this summer.

"This work is part of a multi-million building programme on the college campus which enables us to improve facilities for students and staff."