A BIG-HEARTED club has turned two young girls' sorrow into smiles by inviting them to their Christmas party.

Darwen Subscription Club offered Rachel and Charlotte Jones places at their annual children's Christmas party after St Mark's Conservative Club in Blackburn refused to let them attend their festivities.

The sisters' grandfather Jack - a member there for 18 years - died before putting their names on the guest list and the club refused to make any last-minute additions.

Steve Aspin, a committee member at the Subscription Club in Anyon Street, Darwen, contacted the girls' mother Christine Jones, after reading about their plight in the Citizen.

He said: "I couldn't believe St Mark's attitude. Where was their Christmas goodwill? We might not be able to afford what they give kids at their party but we welcome the girls with open arms and they will have just as good a time.

"We never turn anybody away from a Christmas party and always make room for additions - we're a bit more flexible than St Mark's."

The party, on December 7, is open to members' children and Mrs Jones was glad to find some true Christmas spirit.

Christine, who lives in Mill Hill, said: "I welcomed the offer from Mr Aspin - it was a very kind gesture.

"They were really upset about not going with their friends to St Mark's but cheered up when I told them about the Subscription Club party.

"The club have been very kind to us and it's nice to be wanted. I would not let the girls go back to St Mark's even if they begged me."

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