BLACKBURN theatre lovers won't be left treading the boards when the town's newest entertainment venue opens later this year.

For the newly-refurbished Thwaites Theatre at Ewood has been given enough top of the range carpeting by Rishton-based Gaskell Carpets to cover all the public areas in the theatre building.

Around 300 square metres of top quality Axminster and tufted carpet will be laid in the foyer and in the body of the theatre.

Michael Berry, project director at the Thwaites Theatre said: "We've worked incredibly hard to resurrect and refurbish this building and provide a much needed arts facility for the public of Blackburn and Darwen.

"We've been supported magnificently by mainly local companies along the way and were thrilled to hear that Gaskell Carpets was willing to join our band of sponsors.

"We're really pleased with these sumptuous carpets which will soon help to transform our foyer, the licensed bar and the auditorium into elegant and comfortable facilities that we can be really proud of."

Paul Hartley, key account manager at Gaskell Carpets, said: "As a major employer we feel it is important to support local community initiatives where we can, especially in a case like this where a very worthwhile arts facility is being created with the potential to enhance the lives and leisure time of so many people from the surrounding areas."

More than £400,000 has been spent transforming the former Red Brick Theatre and adjoining factory premises at Ewood into a state-of-the-art venue.

The theatre project received a £100,000 urban regeneration grant but the bulk of the money has been raised by a team of fundraisers.

A major announcement is expected in the new few days regarding the sponsorship of the adjoining arts and community centre and a gala night is also being arranged to mark the theatre's official opening later this year.