A NEW bowling alley and entertainment centre has opened its doors in Blackburn -- giving the town its first ten-pin bowling facilities for over a decade.

The Bowlplex entertainment centre -- part of the multi-million pound Peel Leisure and Entertainment Park -- welcomed its first customers yesterday.

It is the first time people have been able to bowl in Blackburn since the closure of Hollywood Bowl, Harwood Street, in 1994.

Alan Ridehalgh, 67, of Oswaldtwistle, was the first paying customer at the new 24-lane bowling alley.

Mr Ridehalgh, a keen ten-pin bowler for 40 years, said: "I am really excited, Blackburn has been missing something like this for a long time. A lot of bowlers from Blackburn had to go elsewhere when Hollywood Bowl closed, but now I think they will return.

"It's a great attraction for youngsters too, because they have been short of somewhere to go at the weekends for a long time."

The American-themed venue, situated below Blackburn's new 10 screen cinema, has a sports bar, 13 American pool tables, arcade games and a restaurant area.

General manager Phil Morris, 47, said: "This is the fourth Bowlplex I have been involved with now and I expect this place to do very well.

"I think there are over 400 people coming to our VIP opening night on Friday, so it is all very exciting."