BUILDERS were baffled when they ripped up an old floor - and found an old bridge!

The mysterious stone structure came to light in the cellar as builders were renovating one of three empty shops in Bridge Street, Darwen.

Now they are puzzling what it's doing there.

One theory is it may once have crossed a stream which was diverted.

Arthur Sandiford, a sub- contractor for Chorley builders M J Fellows, made the discovery and contacted the owners Brightcrest Ltd , who are turning the shop into a cafe.

Lorraine Howarth, of Brightcrest Ltd, said: "We have no idea how a bridge came to be under the property.

"The most likely explanation is that the river used to run under the property and has been diverted at one stage.

"There is also a door and a window under the bridge and when they diverted the river they must have built underneath and on top of it.

"It just seems strange to find a bridge in the cellar of a town centre shop."

Can any Darreners solve the mystery? Please contact the Lancashire Evening Telegraph newsdesk on 01254 678678.

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