DARWEN'S first cyber cafe has been heralded a haven for teenagers to keep them off the streets at nights and weekends.

Darren Keen, 33, has managed Interpro Computers on Blackburn Road for 12 months and is now looking to bring Darwen into the chic technology age with frothy cappuccino's and milky lattes.

Councillors and nearby businesses are looking forward to the new coffee stop which is due to open at the end of the month.

Coun Sue Reid said: "I think it's an excellent idea because there are a lot of kids who don't have access to computers and it's a good thing if this shop can provide them with access to technology.

"It is also good because it's something the kids enjoy and they will be in a safe, supervised environment. Their parents will know where they are and they will be kept off the streets."

Students will only be able to enter the cafe when school closes after 3.30pm and at weekends.

Darren said: "We want to provide something for the kids that they want and enjoy. We will be looking to provide a wide range of computer games where people in the cafe can compete with one another.

"We've been here for five years and there has been a decline in the number of computers we've been selling, so the cafe is something we've been thinking about for six months."

Coun Dave Holling said: "Any new business starting up in Darwen is always great news. It's important for the town to keep up to date with the latest technological advances. All the big cities and towns have internet cafes so why shouldn't we?

"If it's a real success, I can see more of the same thing opening up in Darwen."

Ronnie O'Keeffe, of Blackburn with Darwen Chamber of Trade, said: "We're certainly in favour of bringing the cafes into the town centre because it gives kids something to do and they are educated at the same time. We would love to see one or two more of these opening in the town." Nearby businesses are also excited. Jenny Ward, of Dawning Beauty, said: "I think it's a very good idea because everywhere else has them. I think it will do a lot of good for Darwen."

The cafe will have two additional computers installed by the end of the month to make a total of six for future customers.

By early February, the shop will be open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays, with private bookings in the afternoon.