ONE of Blackburn's oldest department stores is about to undergo a £400,000 refurbishment.

Marks & Spencer, which has run an outlet in the town since 1884, said today work would begin on the project on Monday.

At the heart of the plan is a revamped food hall and the creation of a coffee-shop called Revive on the first floor.

Similar cafes in other stores -- including neighbouring Burnley -- have proved very popular, a spokesman for the firm said.

The food hall itself will be given a face-lift, with display stands being revamped and replaced.

Ronnie O'Keeffe, president of the Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "Marks & Spencer are putting faith back in Blackburn, so this is good news.

"We know one or two of the other stores are looking at doing the same with refurbishments and it can only be good news for the town."

TJ Hughes, based in Church Street, is also opening a coffee shop.

Last year, Marks & Spencer gave Blackburn town centre another boost when it agreed to open on Sundays, attracting more weekend shoppers to the town.

Coun Andy Kay, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "We are delighted with the news of Marks and Spencer's plans for the Blackburn store.

"The decision to invest from such an important business in the town reflects and reinforces the increased level of confidence in Blackburn's future as a competitive retail centre."

A spokesman for the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: "This extra investment is great news.

"It is a sign of the confidence retailers have in the area."