SOAP star Julie Hesmondhalgh has marked the end of a massive refurbishment project at a Hyndburn charity's base.

Maundy Relief, which helps the homeless, has spent more than £40,000 on Maundy Grange in Accrington thanks to donations from firms across the country.

And after months of hard work at the Abbey Street centre, where volunteers have built new counselling rooms, a chapel, bathroom and kitchen, the extended centre was officially reopened on Saturday.

Church-born Julie, the charity's patron and a major fundraiser, did the honours and hailed the centre as "the jewel of Accrington".

The actress, who plays Hayley Cropper in ITV's Coronation Street, added: "The volunteers do a fantastic job and they provide such a valuable service to the community.

"It is the most special place on Earth."

Maundy Relief was set up in 1999 and helps more than 190 people every day, providing support and advice to homeless people in Hyndburn.

The new building has been built across Abbey Street from the main base and is above the group's charity shop, Maundy Manna.

The manger of Maundy Relief, Dorothy McGregor, said she likes the place so much she has even decided to move in - to a room nicknamed 'The Cell'.

Hard-working Dorothy, who starts most days at 4am and stays through to 7pm, said: "It is so exciting to have finished all of the work and it looks great.

"We have been very lucky with the support we have received and it will give us much more room to help people."

On Julie, she added: "She has been excellent. We would have hit the wall long ago if it was not for her help. She often visits when she doesn't have to and has attracted a large number of donations."

As a tribute to their star patron, one of the counselling rooms has been named the Martha Room after Julie's daughter.

Maundy Relief was helped with the improvement costs by The Rank Foundation, Wates Construction, Christian Meditation Group and B Rourke and Co, Burnley.