A MASSIVE historical project charting the development of Blackburn from the Industrial Revolution and beyond is looking for volunteers.

Organisers of the project named Cotton Town are looking to hear from people who may themselves, or have relatives, who can contribute information and time for research.

Project manager Andy Kirman and digital resource creator Rachel Spencer have been given a £200,000 grant from Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and Information Services.

They are compiling an on-line, educational resource, illustrating Blackburn's rich industrial history and its rise and fall as the centre of the Lancashire cotton industry.

By working with library and museum staff they are creating a huge archive of historical material such as photographs, maps, newspaper articles and museum exhibits.

They want to hear from people who have worked in the cotton industry to come forward with their recollections and accounts of working life.

People with a knowledge of local history who have time to spare will be welcome, as will those who have an interest in learning more on local history and want to help.

Organisers also want to hear from people with interesting historical material they would like to share.

They can be contacted at Blackburn Central Library, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, BB2 1AG.