ROSSENDALE Hospice will be throwing open its new doors this weekend as it marks another milestone in its service to the community.

After years of fund-raising and months of building work, the hospice has moved into greatly expanded premises in Cribden House at Rossendale General Hospital.

Now organisers are holding two days of celebration to show the public what has been done with their cash - and to say thank you for their efforts.

Tomorrow sees a summer fair from 10am to 4pm with stalls, face painting and Ploughman's lunches.

On Sunday afternoon there will be a strawberry tea, and the mayor and mayoress of Rossendale, Coun and Mrs Peter Heyworth, will be joining the celebrations.

Hospice appeal director Liz Ratcliffe said: "Without the continuing and very generous support of the people of Rossendale, these open days would never have taken place.

"We are hoping that many people from the Valley will come and have a look around."

The hospice day care service worked in the past from the bungalow at Cribden House, which had only one room, an office and bathroom. The new facilities include day and dining rooms larger toilets, two fully-fitted bathrooms and consulting and counselling rooms.

"It is a wonderful improvement," Mrs Ratcliffe added.

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