THE man who brought Robbie Williams to Blackburn has been given a new role - putting Darwen Library Theatre on the map.

Steve Burch has been appointed manager of the theatre in Knott Street and his aim is to establish it as a leading entertainment venue.

Steve, who as promotions manager at Blackburn's King George's Hall was responsible for booking acts such as Paul Weller and Louise, will be hoping to use his contacts in the entertainment industry to make a major impact at the theatre.

He said: "I am hoping to continue to produce a diverse programme of events for all age groups and all sections of the community and at the same time use the experience I have gained at King George's Hall to develop the range of events at the Library Theatre.

"It is an excellent venue which has already proved extremely popular and I am looking to build on that."

The 214-seat theatre underwent a major £150,000 renovation programme two years ago.

Rob Howell, Blackburn with Darwen Council's principal arts officer, said: "Darwen Library Theatre is a great asset for the community and has been a tremendous success in the two years since it reopened.

"In Steve we couldn't have wished for a better person to steer its development and to build on its reputation as one of the best small theatres around. "It is an ideal size to attract touring productions and host performing arts events. We see the theatre as being very much at the cutting edge of theatre in the North West and, using the contacts Steve has established, believe it will become one of the region's most important venues of its size."

The Library Theatre will continue to play a key community role as home to local groups including Darwen Youth Theatre, the Jam Factory and Blackburn Theatre Workshop.

"Nothing pleases me more than to hear people refer to it is 'our theatre'," said Mr Howell. "We will be working with the community to improve the number and quality of events even further."

As well as touring theatre productions, Steve Burch is hoping to attract well-known pop singers for acoustic sets at the venue and to see more acts and productions appearing at both King George's Hall and the Library Theatre.

He said: "I hope that by the end of the year a little of me and my experience will be showing through in what we offer."

Steve takes over from Richard Blackburn, now at the Romiley Forum in Stockport.