THE first Carers Link in Lancashire is to open in Accrington this month.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has a network of 116 centres for carers and this is one of two new venues in the town, to be opened by the Princess Royal.

In Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley there are more than 13,000 carers and organisations such as Hyndburn Carers Focus Group, Hyndburn Asian Ladies Carers Group and Ribble Valley Carers Group, all operate through Carers Link.

The new centre, in King Street, will officially open on Tuesday October 22.

Refurbishment of what will be known as Link House has been completed by members of the management committee and local firms.

Kathleen Eastwood, manager of Carers Link, said: "We're delighted that The Princess Royal will be opening the centre.

"We've been very fortunate in being able to move into Link House and thanks are due to everyone who's worked so hard. It means carers will truly have a focal point in Accrington but one which is there for every carer throughout Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley."

On the same day Princess Anne will also open Prospect House in Whalley Road, Accrington, which is the latest addition to the Hyndburn Service for the National Autistic Society.