A DARWEN hostel earned a place in the history books when it celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The Police Street hostel, run by Blackburn with Darwen Council, pioneered social housing at the end of the 19th Century.

Built as a lodging house for mill and factory workers, it now serves as a refuge for men and women in need.

Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong, who attended the centenary celebrations said: "Ideally, everyone should have a home of their own but there are occasions when both individuals and families find themselves in need of accommodation.

"For them, hostels such as this area invaluable. The Police Street hostel represents a remarkable record of caring for people in Darwen when they need a helping hand."

She added: "To clock up 100 years of providing a vital service to the local community is something to be truly proud of. "I would like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in making the hostel such an outstanding success and wish them every success for another 100 years."

Once known as the Model Lodging House, the hostel was home to men who came to town to work in the mills and factories during the week and returned home to the countryside at weekends.

Council leader Malcolm Doherty said: "The hostel is one of the earliest examples of its kind in the country and represents the great strides we have made in helping homeless men and women over the last 100 years."

The Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Peter Greenwood, unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

Hostel manageress Gwen Barker, left, celebrates its 100th birthday with, from left, Mayor of Blackburn Councillor Peter Greenwood, manager Barry Barker, Mayoress of Blackburn Dorothy Greenwood and Dorothy Walsh, housing management sub-committee vice chairman

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