VOLUNTEERS with skills to share are being urged to step forward to help convert a former Blackburn factory into an art and community centre.

Plumbers, plasterers, electricians and people with construction skills are needed to work on the old Reed's building at Ewood, next to the former Empire Theatre, on Sunday, September 2 and Sunday, September 9.

Proceeds from a £365,000 fund-raising mission have been spent on the arts complex in the last 12 months --£265,000 went on buying the Reed's building and £100,000 on converting the Empire into a 200-seater state-of-the-art theatre.

Plans for a 350-seater theatre had to be scaled down after no National Lottery money was forthcoming.

But Red Brick Theatre project director Michael Berry said the theatre was expected to open within the next six months, and it was hoped theatre groups would be able to use the neighbouring art and community centre from next month.

The next phase of the theatre project is to provide seating for the balcony and a sponsor is needed for the art and community centre.

Mr Berry wants to hear from potential sponsors or volunteers who can spare some time to work on the Reed's factory on the two Sundays.

He can be contacted on 01254 57663.