I WOULD like to give a special mention to all of the local musicians, volunteers and traders who contributed to this year's 'Darwen 2003' music festival.

Much has been said about the headline acts, but it is the involvement of the 'Darreners' themselves which really makes this event such a wonderful occasion.

As an unpaid volunteer, it fills me with great pride to see the town pull together and be part of an event which is putting Darwen on the musical map of Great Britain!

Finally, I wish to thank the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for its excellent coverage of 'Darwen 2003' in the previous weeks and over the weekend itself.

GARY WARD (Darwen Music Projects -- organisers of Darwen 2003 in conjunction with Blackburn with Darwen Council), Elswick Street, Darwen.