AN historic church has reopened following a £750,000 facelift.

Christ Church, Barnfield, Accrington, was rededicated by the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Reverend Nicholas Reade, and now the church is home to a new Sure Start centre.

Negotiations with Sure Start -- the national body designed to give youngsters the best start in life -- took more than two years, and the work has transformed the building, which previously had boards over its valuable stained glass windows to protect them from yobs.

Now, as well as providing a place for worship, the Sure Start centre will work with families of small children, providing support and somewhere to meet.

Today the vicar the Rev Kevin Logan, said: "Christ Church has transformed from being used for only a few hours a week to being available every day.

"This means we can truly become a caring ministry fit for the 21st century.

"The rededication has meant we can return to our former position and be central to our community when they need us most.

"We have worked closely with Sure Start Hyndburn who will provide activities for local families from our church.

"We are pleased that our church will be used not just for spiritual purposes but also for physical and emotional activities for local families, showing that Christ Church can truly become the heart of this compassionate community."

In previous years, church bosses spent £140,000 on creating community rooms, a kitchen and extra toilets and installing new heating and electrics.

The work meant the church, dating back to 1840, could house local clubs and community groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and a youth club.

The new centre will be called the Willows Child and Family Centre.

It will offer story time sessions, a toy library and an advice session for parents, with plans for more in the future.

Ann Marie Foster, manager of Sure Start Hyndburn, said: "It has taken some time to reach this stage but this is only because we wanted the very best for our local families.

"We wanted to ensure everything was in place before raising local hopes and expectations.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the work at Christ Church.

"It is their help and dedication which has made the Willows Child & Family Centre such an attractive and inviting place for our families to come to."