POIGNANT diary entries made days before her death by Blackburn's world famous singing star Kathleen Ferrier are being exhibited in Blackburn Museum next month.

Visitors can read the pages which show crossed out singing engagements as the mezzo soprano realised that her battle with cancer would prevent her fulfilling them.

There is also an entry made on October 8, 1953 -- the day of her death -- about a concert in Leeds.

The exhibition, commemorating the 50th anniversary of her death, has 1,500 items, including photographs, letters and costumes and will run throughout September.

It is being run in connection with the North West Archives Festival -- the first time libraries, museums and community groups have celebrated the region's history together.

Coun Kate Hollern, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "By celebrating the life of one of Blackburn's most famous faces, we hope to raise awareness of the Ferrier archive within the local community and encourage people to visit the museum to see it in the future."

Kathleen's cousin and goddaughter are planning to visit the exhibition.

Kathleen died at the age of 41. She worked for Blackburn telephone exchange before her singing career took off and her voice became known around the world.