PENDLE Council is hoping more couples could soon be choosing Colne Town Hall as the venue for their wedding after it underwent a major refurbishment.

The town hall was granted a marriage licence last year but so far only five weddings have taken place.

It is hoped that the first renovation to the council chamber in more than 40 years will attract more couples.

The work to bring the room up to modern standard has included completely redecorating the chamber, fitting new carpets and curtains and installing new lighting and a new sound system. Double glazing has also been fitted to help improve sound during meetings and functions.

The public were invited to see the new chamber for themselves during an open session on Saturday. Pendle's Mayor, Coun Pauline McCormick, who attended the opening of the chamber said: "I was born and bred in Colne and think we can all be proud of our town hall.

"The improvements are very much in keeping with the building and I hope many people will find it a beautiful and memorable setting for their wedding."

Coun Jo Belbin, chairman of Pendle Council's Colne area committee, said: "I am absolutely delighted. It looks beautiful. I am sure that once people see it, they will be encouraged to come to meetings and have their weddings there."

John Kirk, Pendle Council's executive director (services), said: "The council chamber was last renovated more than 40 years ago and many of the features were particularly dated.

"The improvements have been made to remove the 1960s additions to try to restore the room to a period feel of the 1890s when the Town Hall was built, yet create modern and tasteful facilities.

"This wonderful public facility has now been restored to its former glory."

Joyce Leighton, who has overseen the refurbishment, said: "The Chamber is now an ideal venue for civil weddings. We hope that many local people will choose to use this for their special day."