MAIN contractors are preparing to move in to build a new £1million healthy living centre in Burnley.

The centre, which has received cash from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, will be based in the Daneshouse area of the town and is due to be completed by May 2004.

The groundwork has now been prepared for the main contractors to start work in May.

When completed the centre is to be split and shared with Sure Start, which will offer users a host of facilities.

There will be a training room, sauna, surgeries, healthy living classes, nutritional advice and a healthy eating cafe.

Sufi Miah, vice-chairman of Daneshouse Community Economic Development Trust, which helped bid for the money and will take part in running the centre, said: "People in the community are very excited about the development and there are chances for them to get involved."

He said it is hoped there will be a training scheme run by the main contractors for local people to become involved in construction work.

He added: "We are also looking for fundraisers and for people to put forward their ideas on what they want to see happening at the centre. It offers marvellous opportunities for individual and community well-being which people should want to be a part of."

The partnership running the centre will be made up of members of the Daneshouse Community Economic Development Trust, the Primary Health Care Trust, and borough and county council.

Anybody interested in finding out more about the scheme should contact the Trust on 01282 664485.