WHEN organisers at Earby's much-used community centre decided it needed a major facelift, they took up the challenge with a vengeance and raised the necessary £42,000 within a year.

The result was the official opening of the Centenary Room - previously a bare former domestic science room in the old school building - transformed to feature a plush new lounge, kitchen and all-purpose area.

Donations from the county council, Pendle and the local parish council, Rural Development, charities and individual help, combined to reach the cash target for the work, completed at Christmas.

Many representatives attended the opening, performed by local resident Bert Mansfield, 82, the long-time secretary of the luncheon club, one of many organisations to have used the centre since it was set up in 1980.

Mr Ken Tennant, president of the Community Centre Association, expressed gratitude to the many groups and individuals who helped make the Centenary Room dream a reality.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.