MORE than 100 new jobs are expected to be created when Accrington's long-awaited Cinema complex opens next summer.

Work began last week on the Moreton Street site in the heart of Accrington, which, within 12 months, should be transformed from a derelict patch of land to a four screen cinema, 20 lane bowling alley and drive-thru restaurant.

The teenager who inspired the project, 14-year-old Emma Allardice, was invited to the site to see work begin yesterday.

Two years ago, she handed over a petition from local youngsters asking for for leisure facilities to be provided in the town.

The petition prompted Globe Enterprises, a company part owned by Hyndburn Council, to begin investigating the idea and the development was pushed to the planning stage when Metroplex Cinemas agreed to open on the site.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe joined Emma at the development site.

He said: "I am delighted that we have taken this major step forward in satisfying the aspirations of Hyndburn's young people and residents of all ages.

"Last year, we set aside finance for feasibility work and have now invested our land on a sound commercial basis with business partners to attract leading operators to this development.

"The development will offer job opportunities to around 100 people and will compliment the other steps we are taking to making the town centre more appealing." Emma, who goes to Rhyddings High School, said: "I am really pleased it has reached this stage. I didn't think it would get this far when I handed the petition in.

"We all think it is great because at the moment we have to go to Blackburn or Burnley if we want to go to the cinema."

Stuart Nevison, chairman of Globe Enterprises, said: "The success of the redevelopment of the Globe Centre, the project this firm was set up to do, has put us in a secure position to undertake further regeneration schemes in Hyndburn.

"We are please to play our part in revitalising this derelict site."

Council bosses had refused to name the fast food firm involved because no contracts had been signed but McDonalds today confirmed it was them.

A spokesman for the firm, which is also lining up new branches in Darwen and the Ribble Valley, said: "We are looking at moving on to the Moreton Street site next to the cinema.

"We think it will be ideal."