A ‘BEAUTIFUL’ library and theatre has been granted Grade II-listed status.

The historic Darwen Library and its theatre in Knott Street have been placed under protection to help preserve it for future generations.

The library was built in 1908 by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish industrialist who established around 3,000 libraries across the UK, Canada and the USA.

According to a Historic England report, the library and theatre was recommended for Grade-II status due to its ‘striking and well-designed’ appearance which demonstrated high standards of craftsmanship.

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for leisure, culture and young people at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I have to say I was surprised the building did not have listed status in the past.

“It is beautiful, it has real historical significance.

“It is great to see it is renowned for its architecture.

“It is well used and it will be continued to be well used now it is protected for future generations.”

Darwen was the first non-borough to adopt the Public Libraries Act in 1871.

This act gave areas the power to establish free public libraries.

The listed status includes the library, the theatre and the attached railings near the entrance.

In the report, a Historic England spokesman said: “The library has historic interest, it is a good example of a Carnegie library.

“It has high-quality fixtures and fittings, including joinery, plasterwork and retention of an original issue desk and other library fixtures.

“This building is an ambitious and forward-thinking example of a public library which survives well.

“It merits listing in the national context.”

Cllr Peter Hollings, who represents the area on the borough council, said it was good to see Sunnyhurst ward’s heritage was 'taken seriously'.

It comes as the the borough council made a U-turn on a decision to sell theatre tickets at Darwen Leisure Centre instead of the library.