A community centre will be managed by members of a mosque association it has been announced.

The Jamia Ghosia Association Management Committee which is part of the Jamia Ghosia Mosque based on Chester Street Blackburn will be running Audley Sports and Community Centre.

The mosque is based directly opposite the centre. Earlier in the year Blackburn with Darwen Council asked local organisations interested in managing the centre to submit their proposals. The announcement comes as the council seeks alternative methods of working after government budget cuts.

Local councillors joined MP Kate Hollern to officially make the announcement at the centre.

Mir Zaman Chairman of the Jamia Ghosia Association said, “We are committed to the long-term sustainable future of Audley Sports and Community Centre for the local and wider community.

“Our vision is to engage with residents living in the surrounding areas to become part of a successful active community.

“We are looking to develop activities that increase participation in civic life, including providing local residents with opportunities for self-development, volunteering and involvement in local decision-making.

“We would like to stress that we will continue to support current services and we will strive to make optimum use of the facilities to enrich the lives of the community.

“If anybody is interested in becoming a part of the centre, we have various positions available ranging from board members to volunteers. Please email info@audleycentre.co.uk to show your interest.”

Council leisure boss Cllr Damian Talbot, said: “Residents told us that the centre is somewhere that they really value so we’re delighted to be working with the Jamia Ghosia Association to secure the centre’s future.

“Their application demonstrated that they have the enthusiasm and commitment to build on what the centre already offers and put the community at the heart of everything they do.

“I would appeal now to residents to do everything they can to support the association and to help make the scheme a success.”