One of Lancashire’s best loved hotels, the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh, welcomed 150 guests to celebrate its 70th Birthday.

Having first opened its doors as a hotel in 1947, it has become a venue for generations of Lancastrians staging special events.

The evening was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, the Leader of Hyndburn Council, the chief executive and staff from Blackburn Youth Zone and guests from the local business community. Also invited were 20 of the hotels leisure club’s longest serving members and ten of the longest serving staff.

Guests enjoyed a drinks reception with music provided by Blackburn Youth Zone followed by a fabulous three course dinner and entertainment. A raffle was held which raised £1,260 for Blackburn Youth Zone, a charity that helps thousands of local young people.