BLACKBURN'S new art and community centre will start generating income this month as it opens its doors to a dance studio and a professional theatre company.

Volunteers will again be hard at work this weekend as they prepare the former S Reed and Co factory at Ewood for occupation by community groups.

Rental cash will go towards the maintenance of the centre and the neighbouring former Empire Theatre, which is being converted into a 200-seater state-of-the-art theatre.

Red Brick Theatre project director Michael Berry said he hoped the theatre would be in use by Christmas. The art and community centre will also be used at certain times of the year by amateur groups, he said.

Volunteers, either tradespeople such as plasterers and plumbers or people prepared to wield a brush, are welcome to add the finishing touches to the former Reed building on Saturday and Sunday between 10am-4pm.

But the final piece of the jigsaw is still missing -- a sponsor for the art and community centre. Any group, business or individual who would like their name associated with the centre should contact Mr Berry on 07931 639798.