One of the region’s top scuba diving training centres is set to relocate to Rishton.

Canary Divers has been running for around nine years in Blackburn but is set to move into the former Cedar Carpets building on High Street in the next few weeks.

The company was recently awarded a five-star rating by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and hopes the expansion into larger premises will boost the town centre.

Alan Holden, who is co-partner with Stuart Blackledge and Stewart Cross, said: “We have been very successful where we are but we have outgrown it and we have been looking for some time for a bigger premises and this one in Rishton is perfect for us.

“It is right next to the M65 for easy access and we aim to bring in people from a wide area as we have customers in Lancaster, Preston and Skipton.

“We want to bring these people into Rishton who might not otherwise come and hopefully they will then shop at other shops here too.”

Alan, 54, said the new premises will allow them to provide more stock selection and training facilities.

Last year the firm, which has six instructors and 10 dive masters, certified around 200 people.

Alan, from Blackburn, said: “We want to grow and become one of the biggest in the north west and we are not far short of that now.

“We are not just teaching new people but training advances, rescue and professional divers.

“It’s very good news for Rishton to see a high value business coming to the area.”

Alan said they were originally due to relocate next month. However, delays over planning permission for roller shutters means they will open in March.