A DEDICATED volunteer has retired from her role at the heart of community centre after almost three decades.

Doreen Mitchell, 70, from Blackburn, has volunteered at the Ivy Street centre for nearly 30 years after setting up the centre with her sister Christine Connell in 1988.

Helping manage the centre for the last four years, she has now decided to step down from her position.

Her contribution was celebrated with a retirement party, which was attended by Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, chief executive Harry Catherall, Cllr Maureen Bateson and Blackburn MP Kate Hollern.

Ms Mitchell, who will continue to help out at the centre when needed, said: “Myself and Christine set-up the centre in 1988 at a time when there were youths brandishing knives and rifles and when National Front were targeting Asians in our diverse town.

“We decided to launch the centre to bring the community together and give people something to do.

“We’ve not looked back since, and I think my time here has been a real success and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

The centre in the Infirmary area of the town, which is open seven days a week, was set up to offer community members a safe place where they could enjoy a variety of different classes and activities such as martial arts and dance classes.

Other initiatives held at the centre include an annual free Christmas Day event for anybody alone or struggling financially, while it also hosts wedding parties, fun days, trips out for people and sewing classes.

And the efforts of the two sisters has not gone unrecognised, with both winning a number of awards for their services to the community.

Last year, the pair won a British Citizen Award for their work at the House of Lords, while they also won the Good Neighbour Awards, an annual event organised by Places for People to celebrate the positive contribution of residents.

Ms Mitchell said: “Our aim has always been to bring the community back to the community.

“When I was growing up, we all knew everyone else, but we seem to have lost that now.

“This centre is about bring people together of all ages free of charge.

“I’m very happy about the last 30 years and have definitely got more back out of it than what I put into it.

“I’m sad that I’m stepping down but I’m 70 now and it would be nice to spend more time with my friends and family.”

If you would like to volunteer at the centre contact Christine Connell on 01254 55977.