A £12 million health hub which has recently opened in Lancashire has been praised for cushioning the blow of losing the borough's hospital.

Rossendale Hospital closed in September on what was described as a 'sad day' by members of the local community. However, community leaders have hailed the new health centre, which offers local people the same services as those that were provided at the hospital.

The facility which is over three floors on a site of 6,000 square metres offers a range of services including out patients, endoscopic diagnostics, x-ray, eye clinics and rehabilitation treatments overseen by those in physiotherapy jobs. There are also two GP surgeries and a chemist on site, in addition to a treatment room and podiatry services.

Sessional services including family planning, smoking cessation and child health clinics are also offered at the centre. A birthing centre is also set to be added to the centre in the near future.

At the hub's official unveiling, Dennis Mendoros the High Sheriff of Lancashire said: "This number of services is usually seen in a hospital but this is a customised care service which will help improve lives. I am very proud to see this."

"The community has been engaged from day one and been involved in design and services, I wish it every continued success," he added.

Mayor of Rossendale Cou Trevor Unsworth told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I am really impressed with the building. I didn't realise the extent of the services that were in here. The people of Rossendale should be very proud, the NHS is a wonderful institution."