A BURNLEY singer and poet is host two events to raise cash for the fire-destroyed Bureau Arts Centre in Blackburn and the town's foodbank.

Phil Evans has organised two evening concerts at the Charles Napier pub on Friday June 7 and at the Electric Church club the following day, both starting at 7pm.

The 40-year-old from Healey Wood originally planned to host a music, poetry and comedy festival at The Bureau in Victoria Street to raise cash for Blackburn Foodbank.

Early last month is was destroyed by a fire.

Now he has schedules the two events at alternative Blackburn venues to raise money for its restoration and for the foodbank and its work to help the needy.

Mr Evans said: "The Bureau was and still is an integral part of Blackburn and indeed Lancashire society and culture. It really needs to be back on its feet as soon as possible.

"I also hope raise a bit of cash and food for Blackburn Foodbank, who have done such incredible work in the town."