LIBRARIES will be open longer hours for visitors and will run new homework help sessions for youngsters.

And Blackburn Central Library will be open on Sundays for the first time from September 17, from 11am to 3pm.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokeswoman said the new hours were due to increased demand.

Blackburn Central Library will be open until 7pm from Mondays to Wednesdays, instead of being open until 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mill Hill library will be open for an extra hour until 8pm on Tuesdays, while Roman Road library will have an extra evening session until 8pm on Wednesdays and will also open on Saturday afternoons until 4pm.

Young people aged 11 to 16 will also be able to go to the libraries' study support centres and join the new homework help sessions during term time.

Executive member for Leisure and Culture Coun Kate Hollern said: "We are delighted to be able to offer these improved services to Blackburn and Darwen residents."